Andy Parkinson, Chief Executive of UK Anti-Doping (UKAD), is to take up a post as Chief Executive Officer of British Rowing in early 2015. “Andy will be fully engaged with UKAD and his chief executive role here until at least the year end”, said David Kenworthy, Chair of UKAD, in a 3 November media release. “A global search will commence immediately to ensure an appropriate replacement is appointed but this will not be rushed. I and the Board are very confident UKAD’s excellent work will continue until an appropriate replacement is found. UKAD is looking forward to an exciting and busy 2015 with a new World Anti-Doping Code to implement on behalf of clean athletes and major events, such as the Rugby World Cup, to support.”

Parkinson was the first appointment to his current role in 2009, when UKAD was created, following a recommendation from UK Sport that a new, independent national anti-doping organisation should be created in the lead up to the London 2012 Olympics. Prior to his leadership of UKAD, Andy headed the anti-doping operations at UK Sport (2006 – 2009). He also has experience at the International Paralympic Committee, as its Medical and Scientific Director (2003 – 2006). He is also the elected Chair of the Ad Hoc European Committee for WADA, the Council of Europe’s Committee of Governments (elected May 2012).

‘Andy played a key role as the present Chair of the Ad Hoc European Committee for WADA’  read a statement from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). ‘In 2008, he was a member of the WADA International Standard for Testing Working Group, and for a number of years has been an integral part of the Independent Observer (IO) missions WADA has conducted at major sport events, including as Chair of the IO Team at the Sochi Winter Olympic Games earlier this year.’