British Rowing Appoints New Chairman
On Saturday 24th November, the Council of British Rowing elected a new Chairman to succeed Di Ellis, CBE.
Annamarie Phelps is now named as British Rowing’s Chairman designate and will take up the role when Di Ellis steps down at the end of February 2013.
Previously an international stroke Di Ellis took the helm as Chairman, later Executive Chairman, in 1989, agreeing to continue for a further term of office in 2009 to see the sport through the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Di Ellis said: “‘We were extremely fortunate to have had two first class candidates who have served the sport as Deputy Chairmen over a number of years and have been fully committed to the work of British Rowing, both at home and abroad, besides providing me with unfailing support.
“I have every confidence that by electing Annamarie as my successor she will work tirelessly to ensure British Rowing will continue to strengthen its position, and like me recognise that volunteers are the backbone of rowing supported by staff, partners and stakeholders to reach this objective.”
Annamarie Phelps said: “It is a great honour to be elected Chairman of British Rowing. Whilst it will be a challenge to follow Di’s achievements over the last 25 years, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve the rowing community across the country and build on the success and momentum of 2012.”
Annamarie is currently a Non-Executive Director of the Fine Arts Society plc where she was formerly in charge of organising commercial art exhibitions and managing a small specialist department. Her rowing career started at university following which she joined a club and went on to row internationally, is a past Olympic athlete and was a member of the British Olympic Association Athlete Commission, she now represents British Rowing on the National Paralympic Committee with the additional role of a Trustee and Board Member of the British Paralympic Association.
The Chairman designate followed in Di’s footsteps once before when she became the second woman to be appointed as a Steward of Henley Royal Regatta.
