22 January 2025

In an article on British Rowing’s website, it is announced that Alastair Marks has made a decision to step down from his role as CEO of British Rowing.

Here is the article, slightly edited by HTBS:

Alastair Marks was appointed as CEO in April 2022 after holding the position of Interim CEO from November 2021. During his time in the role, Marks has focused on delivering new opportunities for the sport and working with the rowing community to build bottom-up plans to help welcome more people into our clubs. His leadership over the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic cycle culminated in an incredible performance last summer, where the GB Rowing Team collectively brought home six gold medals, three silver medals and three bronze medals.

Marks will remain on the post as CEO until mid-April this year. The British Rowing Board will meet several times over the next few weeks to make decisions regarding his successor.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with British Rowing. Now is the right time to step down, to allow whoever follows me to hit the ground running in a new funding and Olympic and Paralympic cycle for Los Angeles 2028,” Marks said. “I leave with a great deal of respect for the British Rowing Staff, Board, Regional Representatives and everyone who works so hard every day to support and develop our sport for the future.”

Speaking on behalf of the Board, Chair Mark Davies said: “I’m very sorry to see Alastair go but I understand that he feels that it is time to move on. On his watch the GB Rowing team has delivered the best Olympic results at any overseas Games and our best Paralympic results ever, in addition to which he has secured a better-than-expected grant to take us towards Los Angeles 2028.”

Davies continued: “He has worked tirelessly to make the sport work more efficiently in the competitive world, and he has overseen the re-introduction of a very successful British Championships last year. When he moves on in April it will be with our very best wishes for the future.”