Key figure in Boat Race’s drive for equality joins Commonwealth Games Federation

28 April 2016
For immediate release

Ann-Louise Morgan, a key figure responsible for the renowned Boat Race’s continued growth and drive for equality, will join the Commonwealth Games Federation as Sport Services Manager on 9 May, it was announced today.

Race Director since December 2012, Ann-Louise managed the prestigious race between Oxford and Cambridge rowing teams, which for the first time in 2015 saw the women’s race run alongside the men’s event. It is one of the world’s oldest sporting events, watched by thousands along the Thames and by millions more on TV around the world. Previously, Ann-Louise worked at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, World Rowing Championships and the Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games.

Ann-Louise joins the CGF at a time of transformational change for the athlete-centred, sport-focused movement, which places renewed emphasis on strategic collaborations with International Federations as part of a new sports programme for the 2022 Commonwealth Games and beyond. The newly-created post will also work closely with host cities of Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Youth Games, and alongside the CGF’s Director of Sport and IF Relations, Matthew Curtain, to support delivery of an innovative, impactful and fully compliant sports programme.

Announcing Ann-Louise’s appointment David Grevemberg CBE, Chief Executive of Commonwealth Games Federationsaid: "I am delighted that someone of Ann-Louise’s calibre and reputation is joining the CGF team at this vital stage in our journey to 2022. We look forward immensely to having her as part of a team which is committed to ensuring that athletes and sport are at the heart of everything we do – working closely with our partners, our host and bid cities, and our Sports Committee and Athletes Commission to engage and inspire all Commonwealth citizens through sport.”

Commenting on her appointment, Ann-Louise Morgan said:"Having worked on a variety of multi-sport events and high profile single sport events, both for Organising Committees and International Federations, I can’t wait to bring my passion for sport – and focus on relationships and management – to this exciting new role. I’m delighted to be part of what I know will be a truly game-changing sporting movement across the Commonwealth and I look forward to being part of the team to develop and deliver the sporting ambitions of the CGF’s new strategic plan, Transformation 2022.”

Commenting on her departure, Executive Director of The Boat Race Company Limited, David Searle said: "We are very sorry to bid farewell to Ann-Louise after four years with The Boat Race. She has successfully overseen a period of massive change including the arrival of The Women's Boat Race on The Tideway and the appointment of Cancer Research UK as our title sponsor, a world-first. We shall miss her hugely but wish her every success at the Commonwealth Games Federation and in her future career."