Richard Graham, former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Professional Squash Association, is the new Interim CEO of Commonwealth Games England (CGE).

He succeeds Adam Paker who is moving to be Chief Executive at the Amateur Swimming Association in November after three years leading CGE.  Graham began his career in tennis as Commercial Director for the Miami Masters Tennis before becoming Chief Operating Officer at the sports media agency, Parallel Media Group.

During his tenure as CEO of the Professional Squash Association, Richard re-structured the professional tour and securing a media contract for the organisation for the first time.  Since then, he has set up his own recruitment business in sport working with a range of football clubs and federations.  Richard has also carried out a number of Non-Executive Director and Advisor roles in swimming, rugby league, football, and for the charity, Sporting Equals.

Sir Andrew Foster, Chair of Commonwealth Games England, said:

"We are delighted to appoint Richard Graham as the Interim Chief Executive Officer for Commonwealth Games England. Throughout the selection process he impressed us with his energy, passion for the Commonwealth Games and experience at a senior level across a range of sports.”

“Richard has some well-considered ideas on how to develop our strategy in the short and long term.  I am confident that Richard, together with CGE’s Chair Designate, Ian Metcalfe, will provide the right leadership for the organisation during its next phase.”

Ian Metcalfe, Chair Designate of Commonwealth Games England, said:

“Both Richard and I will take up our posts in November and he will work with me to shape the future direction of CGE as we move towards the Commonwealth Youth Games in Samoa in less than a year and then onto the Gold Coast in 2018.

“With Samoa approaching quickly, it is important that our Games team have day to day leadership and our strategic approach for this four year cycle can be developed and implemented as soon as possible. Richard’s flexibility as an interim Chief Executive means we can move quickly and not waste a single day.

Richard Graham, Interim CEO of Commonwealth Games England, said:

“I am extremely proud to have the opportunity to help Commonwealth Games England build on the successes achieved at Glasgow 2014.  From a young age the Commonwealth Games have given me some of my favourite sporting memories and I am delighted to have been given the chance to support Team England as we look to defend our position at the top of the medal table.

“My priorities over the coming six months will be to participate in the CGE Glasgow 2014 review, work with the CGE board to shape our strategy to Gold Coast 2018 and securing additional revenue to best equip Team England to be successful.

 

For more information or interview opportunities please contact Claire Furlong [email protected]

Mobile 0773 444 1610.