NABBA have used social media to announce a new chairman and vice-chairman after voting to ditch Jim Charles and Paul Jeffreys.
NABBA Scotland rep Mark Taylor is the new chairman and North West rep Tim Rosiek becomes vice-chairman.
It is understood general unhappiness at NABBA combining their Universe competition with the FitXpo this year underpinned the decision to make a change.
NABBA International President Eddy Ellwood said: "Under the leadership of our most recent chairman Jim Charles and vice chairman Paul Jeffreys we have been fortunate to have held the NABBA Mr & Miss Universe in some amazing venues.
"However, the majority of the committee were sold an illusion to include the 2024 NABBA Universe within an EXPO and all that glittered was not gold. What was promised was not delivered.
"And rightly so you, who we represent, the NABBA members spoke up. This forced a meeting which took place yesterday [Sunday, November 24]. The topic of discussion being the future of NABBA and the need for big change.
"First and foremost we discussed the need for new leadership. We saluted Jim and Paul for all of their hard work, contributions and efforts. They will remain as area representatives.
"Then a democratic vote was taken on two new nominees, who willingly accepted. Please welcome the new and very passionate NABBA chairman, Scotland's Mark Taylor and new vice chairman, the North West representative Tim Rosiak.
"Now believe me when I say big change is on the horizon. Now let’s make NABBA great again."
The mantra of "let's make NABBA great again" has been trotted out for the best part of a year. But there has been little change up until now. Indeed, some reps told this publication in particular that, although they had access to show results, they did not have the time to produce them. So while it is good to see change at the top, it remains to be seen how this translates into actual difference.
NABBA UK wrote: "As our members have told us, we need to modernise and move forward positively. We voted for a more energetic and youthful duo. We are a federation who listened and are very passionate to embrace the new technological era we are in.
"We'd like to thank Jim Charles and Paul Jefferys for the passionate and hard work over the years. And we're looking forward for the new guard, who have big shoes to fill to be as successful."
During frontdouble's interview with Charles on October 11, he criticised NABBA reps for "simply wanting to wear the federation's blazer and feel self important". It will be interesting to see whether this culture remains under the new administration.
But Charles was also keen to restrict any push for change. He told frontdouble in that interview that he had told many of his reps to calm down and be patient.
It looks as though NABBA's patience just ran out.
Leave a Reply