Hugh Robertson Appointed Boa Chairman

25 Nov 2016 | tshego

Share on

The British Olympic Association (BOA) has elected Sir Hugh Robertson as chairman, replacing Lord Sebatian Coe.

The move sees Robertson step up from his current role as vice chairman of the BOA, where he has held the title since October 2015.

He was running against Great Britain Hocket president Richard Lemen for the post and won by a clear majority. All 35 British national federations were eligible to vote, as were four British members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the chair and vice chair of the BOA and two members of the Athletes’ Commission.

A standing conservative member for 15 years, Robertson was the sports minister during the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in London where he worked closely with the BOA and Lord Coe.

Robertson said: “Following on from my involvement with London 2012, it is a great privilege for me to become chairman of the British Olympic Association. After the success of Rio 2016, this is an extraordinarily exciting moment for British Olympic sport. I want to build on this success and drive the organisation forward both on and off the field of play.

“I would like to pay tribute to my friend and predecessor Lord Coe for the positive impact he has had on British sport, and in particular Olympic sport, and it is with great pride that I follow in his footsteps.”

BOA, chief executive, Bill Sweeney added: “Sir Hugh’s track record in sport is exemplary and his international experience will help drive the continued growth of the organisation for PyeongChang and Tokyo, that has already been started by Lord Coe.

“I would like to take the opportunity to thank Lord Coe for his stewardship as chairman and for the vital and impactful role he played during his four years at the BOA.”