Shorts: WPPL, Whisper, Finn Russell

Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL) has appointed Will Garton as an Independent Non-Executive Director, and Debra Nelson as the Board’s Observer.

Garton joins former Depop CEO Maria Raga Frances, and former professional footballer Malcolm Kpedekpo, as non-executive members of the board.

He has held senior roles in government for over two decades and is currently the Director General for Local Government, Growth and Communities at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Nelson’s role will focus on bringing a youth culture perspective to board discussions, ensuring WPLL remains relevant and inclusive for younger audiences.

She currently works in Special Projects at Football Beyond Borders, where she has led initiatives to integrate young people into governance.

Dawn Airey CBE, Chair of the WPLL Board, said, “We are thrilled to have been able to add both Will and Debra to the board.

“They both bring a plethora of experience from different sectors to the table, and the knowledge and expertise they have will be hugely important for us as the women’s professional game grows and develops.”

Whisper has appointed Bethan Evans as Managing Director of Sport, while Mark Cole has taken on the newly created role of Group Managing Director and Chief Strategy Officer.

Evans and Cole have played key roles in the company’s growth, and will now lead its continued expansion in sport and entertainment.

Whisper has secured major broadcasting projects in the UK and internationally, including partnerships with Channel 4, BBC, and Formula 1.

Sunil Patel, CEO & Co-Founder, The Whisper Group, said, “This is a landmark moment for the next generation of leaders in sport production. 

“Whisper’s focus has always been on getting industry-leading talent, whether that’s hiring or creating opportunities and developing the best from within.“

Scotland and Bath Rugby star Finn Russell has partnerd with experience and event management company Ignite Experiences.

The agreement will see Russell play a role in the company’s efforts to provide bespoke experiences within the sport and hospitality sectors.

As part of the partnership, he will engage with fans in a premium setting after each Scotland match during the Six Nations.

Finn Russell said, “Rugby is more than just a game – it’s about bringing people together to have a great time – and that’s exactly what this partnership is all about.

“I can’t wait to work with the team, to help bring my perspective as an athlete, and to see what we can achieve together.”

Russell is also featured in Season 2 of Full Contact, which is set to premiere on Netflix on 29th January.

West Ham United have partnered with Trainline to give fans 20% off fares for select Premier League and Women’s Super League (WSL) away matches.

The ‘I came by train’ initiative encourages sustainable travel by promoting train use, which produces 67% fewer emissions than car travel.

As part of the pilot scheme, West Ham fans who purchase away tickets for the men’s fixtures against Everton on 15th March and Manchester United on 10th May – and for the women’s teams game at Leicester City on 11th May – will receive a discount code for advance train bookings.

West Ham United Women are the first WSL side to take part in the campaign.

Mike Field, Member of the Club’s Fan Advisory Board, said, “This initiative provides a great opportunity for loyal supporters of both the men’s and women’s teams to reduce their carbon footprint, whilst saving money on their travels to watch the Hammers in action.“

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