British Gymnastics Appoints New Ceo

British Gymnastics has appointed Sport Wales CEO Sarah Powell as its new Chief Executive.

She will begin her role at the National Governing Body on 4th October, replacing former permanent CEO Jane Allen, who retired in October 2020 after allegations of abuse were levelled at the organisation by a host of athletes.

Alastair Marks was appointed as Interim CEO in January 2021, and will remain on the Board at British Gymnastics once Powell arrives.

British Gymnastics made the appointment with help from Sport England and UK Sport, as well as executive search consultancy SRI.

“The calibre of applicants for this position was outstanding and we are delighted to appoint Sarah, who is a successful executive leader with 20 years’ experience in the sports industry,” said Mike Darcey, Chair, British Gymnastics.

“I’d like to thank Sport England and UK Sport for their involvement and support throughout the recruitment process.

“Bringing someone new into the organisation from outside of gymnastics will add a new dimension to our leadership team. Sarah has worked with a number of organisations at Board level that have needed to evolve and modernise as well as championing equality, diversity, and inclusivity across all levels of sport. Sarah’s experience extends far beyond her well documented skills as an administrator. As a former international athlete and coach, Sarah has been involved in sport in many different ways and these experiences will, I’ve no doubt, help shape and define a new era for gymnastics in the UK.”

Powell added: “Gymnastics has, in my view, a unique ability to introduce millions of young people to skills that can positively influence the rest of their lives, whether they stay within the sport as a gymnast, coach or volunteer, or use the skills in another sport or to stay active and healthy in later life. 

“Now, more than ever before, with increasing levels of inactivity we need to prioritise creating opportunities for people to have fun and experience all that the sport has to offer. That is why I’m incredibly excited to be given the opportunity to lead British Gymnastics.

“There are well publicised challenges facing the sport at the moment and I am under no illusions about the scale of change needed to create a culture where gymnasts, parents, coaches, supporters and the many other stakeholders who really care about the sport, know that their views, experiences and ideas really matter to British Gymnastics. I am committed to listening to and working with the wider gymnastics community to better understand how we can all work together to create an environment where gymnastics is a fun and enjoyable experience for all ages and abilities.”