Development Team
The WPBSA Sport Development Team is responsible for the creation of opportunities for people across the globe to participate in the sports of snooker and English billiards.
From recreational players to elite talent destined to reach the highest level of our sport, the team aims to support all and encourage people of any gender or nationality to pick up a cue and enjoy cue sports.
Operations
Chris Hornby – Chief Operating Officer & Company Secretary
Chris has been instrumental in the management of the WPBSA’s Sport Development Team since he joined us in January 2015. He has overseen the growth of key areas of amateur snooker, as well as having introduced new support mechanisms for main tour players.
He has previous experience of project management from his previous position at Bath and North East Somerset Council.
Media
Matt Huart – Head of Communications
Matt joined the team in November 2015 and is responsible for the coordination of media and communications across the WPBSA Group.
He is also involved in the ongoing development of the WPBSA’s subsidiary organisations, including World Women’s Snooker of which he became a director in 2018 and World Disability Billiards and Snooker. He also plays a key role in the organisation of English snooker at amateur level, as part of the Operations Team at the English Partnership for Snooker and Billiards.
Prior to joining the WPBSA he managed the snooker website ‘Pro Snooker Blog’ from 2008 and previously worked in the legal profession as a solicitor.
Ryan Watterson – WPBSA Media Officer
Ryan joined the WPBSA’s media team in 2024 and provides additional support across the Group and its activities.
A lifelong snooker fan, Ryan is the great nephew of Mike Watterson, who alongside his wife Carole is credited with bringing snooker to the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield back in 1977.
Player Relations
Neil Tomkins – WPBSA Players Chief Operating Officer
Neil Tomkins serves as the Chief Operating Officer at WPBSA Players, where he plays a pivotal role in the strategic delivery of operations and player engagement across the snooker circuit. A former professional snooker player, Neil transitioned from competition into coaching, before completing an MBA in Sports Management and going on to work with the World Snooker Tour’s official data partner, Sportradar. He joined WPBSA Players in June 2019 as Player Relations Manager.
In his capacity, Neil oversees player support services by working closely with the elected Player Directors, liaises with current tour players and alumni, and represents their interests at senior governance levels. He is instrumental in expanding membership benefits, coordinating key communications, and facilitating collaborative initiatives such as player‑focused events and development opportunities.
Neil has combined his on‑table experience and hands‑on management which offers him unique insight into player needs. He champions initiatives that drive player welfare, operational excellence, and the continual evolution of the WPBSA Players’ mission.
Coaching
Chris Lovell – Head of Coaching and Training Development Manager
A qualified snooker coach since June 2008, Chris Lovell has been a key figure behind the WPBSA Coaching Programme for over a decade before joining us full-time in 2019.
In 2018 he led the development of the new 1st4sport Level 2 Certificate in Snooker Coaching, the first qualification of its kind in our sport to be recognised by nationally recognised awarding organisation 1st4sport Qualifications.
He has also played an important role within the Paul Hunter Foundation as its Head of Delivery since 2006.
Sport Development
James Chambers – Sport Development Officer
James joined the team in March 2025 in the role of Sport Development Officer whose responsibilities include management of the EPSB 147 Club within England.
A qualified referee and tournament director, he has also taken a lead in the organisation of key WPBSA Group tournaments including the WPBSA Q Tour and World Snooker Federation Championships.
Administration
Lisa Bray – Accounts & Administration Manager
Lisa has worked for the WPBSA since 2012. The hub of the Bristol office Lisa manages the accounts and administration of the WPBSA and supports the majority of its subsidiary companies with their accounts processing.
Lisa is heavily involved with the WPBSA Coaching Programme with a number of roles including the processing and administration of DBS checks for potential WPBSA coaches and the scheduling of the coaches for the Cue Zone at World Snooker Tour events. She also assists Chairman Jason Ferguson with managing his busy diary and travel plans.
Jessica Ives – WPBSA Administration Assistant
Jessica was previously the Administrator to the WPBSA Company Secretary from November 2001 to July 2011 before leaving to work as a classroom/learning support assistant. She also wrote a children’s book ‘The Little Stripey Button’ before returning to the WPBSA in 2022.
To contact any of our development team please use our contact form.
Vacancies
None currently.