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Nottingham Forest Community Trust has announced the appointment of Hugh White as its new Chair of Trustees.

Hugh succeeds Judith Lyons, who steps down after serving as Chair since January 2024 and as a Trustee since October 2018. During her time as Chair, Judith has helped guide the Trust through a period of continued growth and development. The Trust extends its sincere thanks to Judith for her leadership, commitment, and contribution during her time on the Board.

Originating from Nottingham, Hugh worked for almost four decades for Nottingham City Council and played a pivotal role in sport, culture, and community development until his retirement in late 2023. Serving as the Director of Sport, Culture & Tourism, Hugh exercised strategic leadership over the city’s sports and cultural landscape.

He led the vision and project delivery for the £30m redevelopment of Nottingham Castle, developed the city’s first ever 50m swimming pool at Harvey Hadden and helped realise the long-standing ambition for a new £10m+ Central Library for Nottingham.

During his career, he instigated an international events strategy to promote Nottingham’s brand reputation, increase active participation and drive economic investment into the city. This included partnership bidding to attract events such as Tour of Britain, Aegon Nottingham Open, Women’s FA Cup Final, ICC T20 Cricket World Cup and the 1996 UEFA European Football Championship group matches alongside annual city events such as Splendour, Goose Fair and Winter Wonderland.

Beyond his professional commitments, Hugh dedicates his spare time to various voluntary roles. He is a Non-Executive Director at the National Ice Centre/Motorpoint Arena, involved in club rugby, and shares the enthusiasm for sports as a season ticket holder at Nottingham Forest, Leicester Tigers, and Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club, alongside his two sons.

Speaking on his appointment, Hugh said: “I am honoured to take on the role of Chair at Nottingham Forest Community Trust.

“Since becoming a Trustee in 2024, I have seen first-hand the positive impact the organisation makes for local people and the work that goes into operating one of the largest sports-based charities in Nottinghamshire.

“2026 is a significant year for the Trust, as the organisation finalises its new five-year strategic plan and oversees an exciting £1.9 million redevelopment of its community sport facility, the Forest Sports Zone.

“I look forward to working with fellow trustees and colleagues to build on the strong foundations already in place and help extend the reach and impact of our work.”

Calum Osborne, CEO of Nottingham Forest Community Trust added: “Hugh brings a wealth of experience of sport, culture, and public service in Nottingham. His leadership and understanding of the local landscape will be invaluable as we continue to grow our impact across the city and county.”

“On behalf of everyone at the Trust, I would like to thank Judith for her commitment, guidance and support during her time as Chair.

“Her contribution has been invaluable, and we are grateful for everything she has done for the organisation.”

The Trust looks forward to the next chapter under Hugh’s leadership.