Access Sport is pleased to announce the appointment of Helen Rowbotham as its new Chief Executive. Helen will be joining the organisation in January 2022.

Helen takes over from Mark Hardie, who stepped down from the role in the summer of 2021 and is now an honorary Ambassador for the Charity.

Helen is currently Director of Rowing Community & Strategy at British Rowing which she joined in 2016, initially as Director of Innovation. During her tenure she has played a central role in the modernisation of British Rowing, shaping its strategy, leading the way with respect to diversity and inclusion and creating new events, a world leading indoor rowing programme, a charitable foundation and a range of other products and services to support the rowing community.

Helen is also a Board Director and Trustee of the British Paralympic Association where she sits on both the International Relations and Social Impact Committees.

Helen brings a wealth of experience to Access Sport following 23 years in the sports industry. Prior to joining British Rowing she was Director of Consulting at CSM Strategic, where she delivered projects both in the UK and internationally for local and national government organisations; event bidding and organising committees; Olympic Committees and event rights holders. Her experience includes comprehensive strategic reviews of the Commonwealth Games and Paralympic Games, the development of a High Performance Strategy for Saudi Arabia, event feasibility and bidding projects including Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and facility planning including the 2012 Olympic Stadium and Singapore Sports Hub.

I am thrilled to have been appointed as the next CEO of Access Sport. The organisation’s work is more critical than ever and my priority, as we look to the next phase of the charity’s growth, is to ensure more young people can access the transformational benefits of inclusive community sport. I’m particularly looking forward to working with the passionate and committed staff, clubs, coaches and partners that make up the Access Sport community - Helen Rowbotham

Access Sport Chair Martin McPhee said

I’m delighted to confirm the appointment of Helen as Access Sport’s new CEO after an extensive search process. Helen’s strong sports and charity sector experience, combined with her passion for improving access to sport and proven leadership ability, made her the ideal candidate. We look forward to working with Helen as we enter the next phase of Access Sport’s exciting journey.