International Relations Officer Candidates

Rob M
1 day ago
6 min read

We have an incredible FIVE candidates in the running to be your next International Relations Officer (IRO). And they’re eager to share their vision for the role and our association.

As part of the application process, each candidate submitted a statement explaining why they’re applying and, most importantly, why they believe they’re the best Tabler for the International stage. Along with a list of their 5 top achievements in Round Table.

You can read their statements and Top 5 lists below.

Shortly we will be releasing their pre-recorded campaign videos, which you can watch on the @RTGBI YouTube channel subscribe now for updates.

In Alphabetical order, your candidates are:

Kyle Chivers Ilfracombe RT 327

Thom Donnelly Blackburn RT 83

Oliver Laws Wensleydale RT 903

Iiro Salminen Dublin RT 203

Daniel Walker Witney RT 499

Kyle Chivers submitted the following statement:

"Nearly a decade ago, fellow Ilfracombe tabler and then IRO Jose Brinkman invited me to the Central European meeting in Nijmegen. He showed me that fellowship truly transcends our national association. Last year, I stood on stage when RTBI won the Social Media Award at the World Meeting in India. We have momentum and recognition. I’ve never known a better time to be a member of RTBI. I want to build on great work and inspire the next by:

● Supporting British and Irish membership in accessing international tabling opportunities.

● Coordinating with both membership and executive to enhance our global presence.

● Working alongside the York 2027 and Norwich 100 teams to deliver successful centenary

events that celebrate the world's greatest organisation for young men.

As Chief Operations Officer for a technology company, managing valuable international

relationships is my profession. I will bring this expertise to RTBI by coordinating delegations at the World Meeting, managing the John Watts Travel Fund, Travel Bingo initiative and serving as the reliable point of contact for overseas associations.

My experience spans Table at every level across four continents, including traveling 3,000 miles across India this past year. Through Travel Bingo, I attended ARTSA South Africa and had a brilliant time with local and other RTBI members alike. I understand the needs of members internationally because I have been that member, and I will use these stories to encourage greater participation.

Working with RTBI members at the World Meeting, we coordinated Nations Night delivery. York Spirits went down a storm at our pop-up pub, The Louis Marchasi, a nod to our founder. This collaborative approach, creative and fun, shapes my leadership style.

As we approach a milestone year for the organisation, I am ready to serve as your IRO."

Kyle's top 5 achievements in Table:

1. Supported Nations Night India

2. Represented RTBI across 4 continents

3. Built international relationships

4. Travel Bingo beneficiary

5. Tabler for a Decade

Thom Donnelly writes in his application:

"With a number of board roles up for election in 2026 I was immediately drawn to the IRO role. I was first introduced to International Tabling early on in my time in Round Table, when Blackburn hosted the bi‑annual World 83/183 Meeting in 2014. I still remember explaining to my then‑girlfriend (now wife) that we’d be hosting a Norwegian Tabler for the weekend — a moment that unexpectedly sparked what has become a genuine and lasting passion for International Tabling.

Since then, I’ve embraced every opportunity to connect across borders, including the chartering of then new German ‘83’ Table Offenbach am Main and numbersmeetings to:

• Finland (2016)

• Germany (2018)

• Norway (2023)

I’ve also had the privilege of welcoming international Tablers to Blackburn, most recently as ‘Chairman of the World’ in 2025 and fostering a ‘reconnect and grow’ project with our fellow ‘83’ tables, with Lyon RT (France) joining up with us, Gallivare RT (Sweden) re-connecting with us and hosting the next ‘numbersmeeting’ in 2026.

Serving on the National Board and representing RTBI on the international stage would be a tremendous honour. As I approach the end of my time in Table — I turn 45 in the July following the IRO tenure ending in 2028 — I’m committed to giving back to the organisation that has given me, and continues to give me, so many unforgettable Good Times! I have rebuilt my own Table from virtual extinction to a growing, vibrant community, served in Area & Regional roles and I’d relish the opportunity to help guide and strengthen RTBI’s international presence for the future."

Thom's top 5 achievements in Table:

Rebuilding Blackburn RT from 1 active member!
Blackburn RT Chair 2022-26
World ‘83’ RT Chair 2023-25
Region 5 rep 2023-26
Blackburn RT patronage of Blackburn Youth Zone

Ollie Laws submitted this in his application:

"I believe i am a strong candidate for the international relations officer role becuase i bring a collaborative mindset, sound judgement and genuine commitment to delivering effective decision making. I am comfortable engaging in open discussion, listen to diverse perspectives and working constructively with others to reach balanced and considered outcomes.

"My skills include strong communication, stakeholder engagement, probelm solving, and the ability to think both strategically and pragmatically. I am reliable and dedicated."

Ollie's top 5 achievements in Table:

Resurrecting our Tables community sleigh.
Taking part in wider Round Table activities such as 'Pedal with the Pres'.
Being asked to be the Vice-Chairman of my Table.
Playing a pivotal role in organising fireworks and bonfire.
Personal growth and confidence.

Iiro Salminen's writes:

"I have been travelling around different meetings around the world and of course, served as our table IRO too. I was region rep for 3 years, so I know the game.

I already know lots of travelling tablers from my travels and I´m keen to get more tablers to experience the travel side. I also have an MBA in management and organisation, and International business."

Iiro's top 5 achievements in Table:

We managed to bring I back to RTBI with Dublin Table
Region Rep role
Chairman 3rd year going, IRO of my table etc
Danish Axe winner
Continue growth in Ireland and visiting all the tens of tables and international events

Dan Walker submitted the following:

"My journey into international Tabling ignited at the RTI World Meeting in South Africa in 2023. Since then, I have been dedicated to the ideal of ensuring RTBI remains an influential and well-respected player in the international arena. Over the past 12 months, I have actively demonstrated the ambition and drive to represent Round Table abroad. I have travelled to represent our views at the CEE AGM in Moldova, the Round Table Mauritius AGM, and joined celebrations of 50 years of Round Table Malta at their AGM. These experiences have given me the confidence to liaise with members from all over the world and the practical knowledge to coordinate RTBI attendees at future international meetings.

"Domestically, I am fully prepared for the governance responsibilities of the National Board. As the Regional Representative for Region 14 and the current Chair of the Regional Representatives, I have been deeply involved in the National Council. This experience has provided me with a strategic long-term view and proven my ability to work well with others to debate and make key decisions for the future of Round Table. Crucially, an IRO must promote international opportunities to members at home. My engagement remains grounded in grassroots Tabling—supporting Charters in Wigton, Kingston, and Middlesbrough, and volunteering at local events including the Witney Beer Festival and fireworks displays in Bicester and Oxford. I possess the spare time to commit to this role and the passion to facilitate global exchange. I would be honoured to serve as your International Relations Officer."

Dan's top 5 achievements in Table:

1. Chair of the Region Representatives 2025-2026

2. Team Louis Football Champions Norwich NSW 2024

3. Witney 499 Beer Festival Organiser 2022 & 2023

4. Leyland 665 Media & Public Relations Officer 2024-2025

5. Solo travelled to the RTI World Meeting 2023

Now you've had a chance to review what all five candidates have to offer, you will need to place your votes before the deadline, which is the 7th March 2026 at 12 pm (Midday). Because we have 5 candidates, Tables will be asked to vote in preferential order for who they would like to be the next IRO. Voting for each candidate in order from top to bottom, 1-5. Table Chairman will be sent the login details at the beginning of Feb by Sheraz Shahid Current National Vice President. If you do not receive login information, don't hesitate to get in touch with him via vp@roundtable.org.uk