Sara Sutcliffe MBE To Step Down As Ceo

28 Oct 2021 | tshego

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Table Tennis England (TTE) Chief Executive Sara Sutcliffe MBE is leaving her role after more than eight years. She will step down at the end of this year to take up a similar position with the Royal Yachting Association (RYA).

Sara joined, the then English Table Tennis Association, as Chief Executive in July 2013 at a time when the organisation had failed to secure long-term funding from Sport England, and an independent review had shown that the governing body and the sport were in need of a radical overhaul.

She oversaw fundamental changes to the structure and governance of the organisation, including the move from Hastings to Milton Keynes and the transition to the new identity of Table Tennis England. The changes culminated in the restoration of Sport England funding.

Sara said: “Whilst I am excited by the challenges that lie ahead at the RYA, it is with a heavy heart that I am leaving Table Tennis England.

“Table tennis truly is a sport for all for life and puts a smile on the face of millions of people every year. I have thoroughly enjoyed and been honoured to play a part in the history of Table Tennis England and send everyone in the sport my very best wishes in this its centenary year.”

Paying tribute to Sara’s contribution, Table Tennis England Chairman Sandra Deaton said: “Sara’s ability to bring the team ethos into the direction of travel has cemented a strong and respectful relationship with the staff. The Board will be continually indebted to her for the guidance, support, respect, and professional approach she has presented throughout her whole time with us.

Sara, a qualified lawyer who started her career in the City of London, moved on to the British Olympic Association, where she attended four Olympic Games as General Counsel to Team GB, and was instrumental in the London 2012 bid.

Sara was awarded the MBE for services to table tennis in the delayed 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours and was presented with the award by the Princess Royal in a ceremony at Windsor Castle earlier this week.