Following the delivery of Team GB's most successful Olympic Games in 104 years, Andy Hunt, the Chief Executive of the British Olympic Association (BOA) and Chef de Mission for Team GB at the London 2012 Olympic Games, has decided to step down at the end of February 2013 to pursue other opportunities.
Team GB won 65 medals at the London 2012 Games – 29 gold, 17 silver and 19 bronze – and finished third in the medals table, the best performance by a British Olympic Team in over a century.
Hunt informed the BOA Board of Directors of his decision at its meeting today.
"It has been an amazing four years leading the BOA as the host National Olympic Committee for the London 2012 Games," said Hunt. "I will always be proud to have led Team GB at a Home Games and of the fantastic performance of the team this summer and the way in which the BOA supported the athletes. Now that the Games are over, and the organisation’s strategy for the next four years is taking shape, the BOA's responsibilities and the job of the CEO are different, and I feel it is the right time for me to move on to another leadership role with breadth and profile similar to the responsibilities I've fulfilled since 2008."
Commenting on the announcement, Chairman of the BOA, Lord Sebastian Coe said, "Team GB had the very best facilities, care and preparation at the London 2012 Games thanks to the tireless efforts and passion of Andy Hunt and his team over the last four years. I know I speak on behalf of all Team GB athletes and the BOA Board when I say thank you to Andy for the work he has done, and I wish him all the best in his next endeavour.”
Hunt was named Chief Executive of the BOA in 2008. In addition to the success of Team GB at the London 2012 Games, highlights of his tenure include the modernisation of the organisation and the introduction of business best practices in areas such as corporate governance, strategic & operational planning; the relocation of the organisation’s headquarters to Central London; the development of the Team GB Brand into a mainstream British Sports brand; and the creation of the BOA Athletes’ Commission, which has become a critical resource in shaping the organisation’s plans.
Minister of State for Sport, Olympic Legacy & Tourism Hugh Robertson said:
“Under Andy’s direction, the British Olympic Association has undergone a significant transformation and reinforced its reputation as one of the leading National Olympic Committees in the world. Today, the BOA is recognised as a modern, professional organisation that has as its highest priority serving the needs and interests of athletes and National Governing Bodies. Whilst Andy will be missed at the BOA, he has put in place an operating structure and leadership team that will ensure the organisation continues to move from strength to strength. I thank him for his service to the BOA and all of British Olympic sport, and wish him continued success in the future.”
British Olympic Association Athletes’ Commission Chair Sarah Winckless said:
“Having worked alongside Andy and his team in the build-up to the 2012 Olympic Games, I know first-hand the level of preparation and detail that went into making certain Team GB athletes had the very best opportunity for success here in London. Andy took very seriously the input and views of the BOA Athletes’ Commission, and that was reflected in the unprecedented support provided to Team GB and the overall success of the team.”
British Rowing Performance Director Sir David Tanner said:
“The cooperation and support we received from the British Olympic Association in the lead up to, and during, the London 2012 Games was outstanding. The BOA prioritised the importance of working in a spirit of partnership with the National Governing Bodies and I have no doubt that this was achieved. Under the leadership of Andy Hunt, the attention to detail and focus on providing athletes with the very best levels of support mirrored the same standards we have for rowing’s own programme, and I thank Andy and the entire BOA team for achieving that.”
Hunt will remain with the organisation through February, continuing to work on the 2013-16 Organisational Strategy and several other ongoing projects. The BOA will not appoint an interim Chief Executive. Instead, the BOA Management Team will work directly with Lord Coe as the organisation moves forward.