3rd December 2009
sports coach UK announce new Chair for the New Year
sports coach UK (scUK) has announced the appointment of Chris Baillieu MBE as the new Chair of the organisation, following an open recruitment process.
Chris – who will take up his position in the New Year - comes to the role with a significant sporting pedigree as well as substantial private business and sporting organisation experience.
He was Chair of British Swimming between 2001 and 2008, a period during which the sport saw a resurgence in its international success at all levels. In addition to his business interests he is currently Chair of both the Olympians and Active Wandsworth - the Sports and Physical Activity Network. He is a trustee and Vice Chair of SportsAid, the national charity responsible for raising and distributing funds for talented young people, and also of the Torch Trophy Trust which recognises and supports sports volunteers.
Chris is an Olympic rowing silver medallist from the 1976 Games, and has five World Championship medals to his name, including gold in 1977. He has also been a TV commentator with the BBC, a Steward of Henley Royal Regatta and a member of World Rowing’s (FISA) Medi
Chris, who will take over the role from Interim Chair Philip Kimberley, said: "It is both a challenge and a privilege to be chosen to chair sports coach UK at this exciting time for British sport in the lead into the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012. The quality of coaching lies at the heart of every sporting experience and ensuring the UK has a world-class coaching system will play a vital part in ensuring more people take part in sport. It will be a key legacy of 2012."
Sue Campbell, Chair of UK Sport, said: "sports coach UK has a vital role to play in the implementation of the UK Coaching Certificate so I am delighted that Chris has accepted the challenge of leading this organisation at such an important time in the development of coaching."
Richard Lewis, Chair of Sport England, said: "We are delighted that sports coach UK has appointed Chris Baillieu as Chair. Chris is undoubtedly the right man for the job, and will have our full support as he leads the organisation through this next period of development. I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the positive changes Philip Kimberley has brought about in his time as Interim Chair, and thank him for his continued commitment."
Interim sports coach UK Chair Philip Kimberley said: "We had a very strong field of candidates to select from and I’m delighted Chris has accepted our offer. He is an excellent appointment and his sporting and business experience make him the ideal person to steer the organisation forward."
