2013 Biography from Max in his own words:
Born 1954, Wigan. Chief Tournament Director of the World Bridge Federation, former Chief Tournament Director for the EBU.
Joined the EBU in 1984 at the offices in Thame, having previously been a local government officer in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Learned to play bridge at grammar school, where he was fortunate enough to have a teacher who was an enthusiastic bridge player. Originally a keen chess player, but bridge soon took over once he’d been introduced to the game.
Started tournament directing at the local bridge club in his early twenties. First major break came when the local Stratford Congress (a major congress at the time) found themselves to be a tournament director short one year, and he was drafted in at short notice.
Thereafter started working for the EBU as a tournament director at weekend congresses and competitions, most notably in the Birmingham area – the Grand Hotel in particular (a popular venue for bridge events at the time) before joining the EBU full time.
Originally joined the EBU as supervisor of the membership and master-point department, and to maintain and operate the EBU computer system; also as the third member of staff alongside Peter Briggs and John Williams who was also a bridge player and so could deal with general bridge enquiries.
Became CTD of the EBU in 1986, at which point he was already tournament directing at both European and World championships. Attended and passed with distinction the first European tournament director’s course in Amsterdam in 1982. Became CTD of the WBF in 2003. Max left the EBU as Chief Tournament Director at the end of 2012, but continues with the WBF.
Passions outside of bridge include football (Manchester United, rather than Wigan – Wigan were a non-league team when Max lived there), cricket (Lancashire) and music (heavy rock!).