News

Search begins for new England chairman

From the Commonwealth Games Council for England
The Commonwealth Games Council for England (CGCE), the organisation responsible for managing the England team’s participation at the Commonwealth Games, has for the first time in its history started an external search for someone to fill the role of chairman after this week’s retirement of Ian Emmerson OBE.

CGCE is keen to find a vibrant chairman to lead it through the next Games cycle which includes the 2010 Games in Delhi, during which England’s performance will be seen as one of the key indicators on the road to the London 2012 Games. The cities of Glasgow, Scotland, and Abuja, Nigeria, are vying to host the 2014 Games.

England finished second on the overall medal table in Melbourne last year, behind hosts Australia. Despite its heritage and performance, however, the team was largely unsponsored.

Any new chairman will need to have considerable experience of leading organisations and in working with potential partners in sport and business.

The Commonwealth Games are seen as an important competition in their own right but also a significant development opportunity for young athletes who need to experience elite competition in a multi-sport event.

Emmerson’s retirement followed two successful four-year terms in office. While the search for a new chair is under way, Dennis Yeoman, CGCE swimming representative, will step up to lead the organisation alongside the CGCE President, Sir Christopher Chataway, and with a board of directors including chief executive, Ann Hogbin.

For further information contact: Caroline Searle or Bryn Vaile in the CGCE press office via 07831 755351 or 07768 902313.


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