19 June 2024

By Göran R Buckhorn

Head Of The Charles Regatta (HOCR), the world largest regatta which was founded in 1965, has announced that the new Executive Director for the regatta will be Tori Stevens, who will take on her new role on 1 July 2024. Stevens is succeeding Fred Schoch, who retired last year after having lead the regatta for 33 years.

“When we launched our international search last year, we were dedicated to find a leader who would join us in our commitment to running a world-class regatta and at the same time help us think proactively about the areas where we can continue to pioneer, grow, and improve,” Tim Fulham, chair of the HOCR board of directors, said in a statement. “Tori’s impressive career speaks for itself. Her ability to be forward thinking while respecting the history of the Regatta makes her the right leader for the Regatta now and into the future.”

HOCR writes on its website:

Stevens brings over two decades’ worth of global leadership experience in the sports, media and technology industries. Most recently, she served as the CEO for SUP3R. Previously, Stevens held executive positions at GumGum Sports, the Sports Innovation Lab, CSM Sports & Entertainment and the Boston Consulting Group. She also spent 15 years at ESPN where, among many positions, she served as Vice President of Global X Games Events and Operations.

“I am honored to be selected as the next Executive Director of the Head Of The Charles Regatta,” said Stevens. “I am excited to work with our team of staff and volunteers as we welcome athletes, coaches, and spectators to our iconic Regatta. I know we will build on the Regatta’s legacy as we grow and innovate both in the sport of rowing and how we support our communities.”

The 2024 HOCR will be held on 18-20 October. “[It] will be particularly exciting. Since we are in an Olympic year, we expect over 50 Olympians will be in Boston to compete, along with our regular complement of youth, collegiate, and masters’ athletes,” Tim Fulham said. “We will be introducing Tori to the rowing community at an exciting time for the Regatta.”

Stevens has a BA from Dartmouth and an MBA from Columbia. She is a board member of USA Pickleball, a member of Chief, Boston, WISE (Women in Sports Tech., Inc.), Women in Innovation, and an advisor for MBA Sports Business Alliance. She has been a competitive Marathoner and Ironman athlete. Stevens has hitherto not been involved in the sport of rowing.