News

Rowing press chief Searle announces change of tack

Caroline Searle is stepping down as press officer for the Great Britain rowing team after 15 years in the post.

Caroline Searle: moving to new challenge
Caroline Searle: moving to new challenge

The long-time SJA member, a former press chief at the British Olympic Association and for England’s Commonwealth Games teams, Searle said, “I felt it was the right time to go after Rio, which was such an excellent event to finish on. 

“Rowing’s communications activity has grown so much in the last 15 years, including the launch of the organisation’s first social media channels as well as the hosting of major event press offices in Britain. Interest in the sport has increased significantly both on and off the water and particularly for women’s rowing.”

During her time involved with the sport, Searle helped secure and handle the long-term multi-million pound sponsorship from Siemens which supported all crews, from elite rowers to the talent identification scheme which unearthed talents like Rio 2016 gold medallist Mohamed Sbihi and Helen Glover.

Searle’s time with the rowing team has seen her work closely with Matthew Pinsent, Katherine Grainger, Heather Stanning, Vicky Thornley, Pamela Relph and James Fox.

Now, Searle is looking forward to enjoying the odd weekend off in the summer next year.  She will bow out of the rowing role early in the New Year.

She will continue working with other clients as chairman of Matchtight Limited, the Bath-based sports public relations company she founded with her husband, Bryn Vaile, the Olympic sailing gold medallist.

“I have been proud to be involved but it will be good to have a change and I’ll be looking at fresh opportunities in the New Year,” Searle said.