Leadership change at World Sailing

World Sailing Chief Executive Officer Andy Hunt has notified the Board of Directors that he will be taking on a new role in International Sport in early 2020, and will step down at the end of December after four years in the role.

In a statement by World Sailing, “The Board considers that Andy has made an important contribution to the modernization and commercial development of World Sailing, and the Board thanks Andy for his service during an intense and challenging period for World Sailing.”

“It has been a privilege to serve the sport of Sailing as CEO, and to work with such a talented team to move the sport forward over the past four years,” said Hunt. “I wish the sport every success in the future as it continues to grow the global participation and fan base.”

Kim Andersen, World Sailing President, commented, “I would like to thank Andy for his unwavering commitment to the sport over the past few years and I wish Andy every success in his new role.”

World Sailing has numerous ongoing activities in developing sailing worldwide, and the World Sailing Senior Management Team, the Executive Office staff, and the Board are committed to continuing the momentum to build the sport.

Hunt (GBR), a former CEO of the British Olympic Association and a non-executive Director of the London 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games, had been appointed in January 2016, replacing Peter Sowrey (GBR) who held the CEO position for just five months in 2015 (July 1- Dec 2) before he resigned.

Sowrey had taken over from Jerome Pels (NED) who held the position for more than 17 years before his resignation was announced on October 23, 2014.

Prior to his role with World Sailing, Hunt had most recently been Chairman & Managing Partner of Progressive Media Group, an International Media & Business Information group of companies, as well as serving as a non-executive Director of England Hockey & Gloucester Rugby.

The Board will commence a search for a successor shortly.

Source: World Sailing