In recent weeks, QuidditchUK welcomed Tom Hutton to our ranks as the new Operations Director, succeeding Josh Fogg in the role. We’re delighted to have Tom on-board as a long-term volunteer as part of the Executive Management Team, who also shares ownership of the organisation alongside our current President and Vice-President, Matt Bateman and Abby Whiteley.
A former Team GB lawn bowler, Tom – started his journey within the UK quidditch scene in 2014. He began playing for Leceister Thestrals where he went to University, eventually illuminating his desire to become a solicitor. After graduating from one of the oldest teams in the UK, Tom’s post-university appearances include Tornadoes Quidditch Club (currently on hiatus); Velociraptors Quidditch Club and the London Unspeakables, having completed a full season with each club so far. Joining the Unspeakables kicked off the 2019/20 season in the right direction, bringing some valuable rewards for the new director. Tom was part of the squad who claimed the gold medal and overall tournament win at Highlander VIII, as well as picking up a Southern Cup in 2019 and EQT 2020 silver medal. All in a season’s work!
When asked his initial thoughts about joining QuidditchUK, Tom had this to say:
“I’m really excited to be able to build on the great work Josh has done over these last years, and I’m incredibly lucky to have a really strong team behind me. It’s a tough time to start in the midst of a global pandemic, but nevertheless I’m ready to muck in and help QUK move from strength to strength.”
We’re outstanded by how competitive this athlete has been over the last couple of seasons and are thrilled to have a great candidate for this senior level of QuidditchUK’s executive management. As Operations Director, Tom will be responsible for setting our department’s budgets; processing invoices for tournaments; sorting volunteer payments; and many more tasks as an organisation moving forward.
Welcome aboard, Tom! We wish you all the best of luck and hope that you enjoy your time with us to make next season our best season yet! (We’re sure that will be no challenge after this year’s events!)
