Ex-irb Head Joins World Olympians Association
Mike Miller, former head of the International Rugby Board (IRB), has been appointed the first-ever chief executive of the World Olympians Association (WOA), as the organisation embarks on a new development drive and commercial programme.
The WOA was established to help support Olympians around the world and promote Olympism in the community.
The former CEO/secretary general of the IRB and managing director of Rugby World Cup Limited commenced his new role on Monday, and will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the organisation.
Miller will also oversee the delivery of its new strategic plan, including the development of a new income generation initiative and a proactive commercial programme to engage partners and establish new strategic alliances.
Joël Bouzou, president of the WOA, said: ‘The WOA is setting out on a new course with a new vision and a renewed mandate to support Olympians around the world and help promote the values of Olympism. It is therefore important to have the right person to steer the WOA in this positive direction and we are delighted to bring on board Mike Miller to help achieve our important ambitions and implement the WOA’s new programmes and initiatives.’
‘Mike has had a stellar career at the very top level of sport business and we believe his strong blend of international experience, strategic insights and enviable track record leading world class sports organisations will make him a great asset to the WOA as we embark on the next stage of our development. Mike’s potential appointment was discussed with the IOC president, the IOC director general and the IOC director of sport and is part of the closer working relationship which we have recently built up between the WOA and the IOC.’
Prior to joining the IRB, Miller worked in newspapers, radio, television and the electronic media in Britain, becoming head of sport at Channel 4 and then the controller of television sport at the BBC – responsible for all sports editorial output and for all sports rights negotiations.
Miller added: ‘I am thrilled to be joining the WOA at this crucial time for the organisation. The WOA can make a real difference globally – looking after the needs of Olympians at all stages of their lives and implementing programmes through which Olympians can help foster health and fitness, cultural awareness, environmental responsibility and proactive citizenship throughout the world.’
‘It is essential we build the organisation to ensure it is able to achieve these objectives by empowering and supporting Olympians.’
