England Hockey has appointed from within for its next CEO, with Rich Beer taking helm.
Beer steps up from his current role as sport and development director from Sep 1 and takes over from Nick Pink. He will also become COO of Great Britain Hockey.
Beer has helped initiate restructural changes since joining EH in 2013, leading initiatives such as Big Stadium Hockey, the facilities loan scheme and the recent membership model changes.
Beer said: “The next few years are a crucial period for us, with opportunities to maximise our free to air partnership with Channel 4 and the delivery of EuroHockey Championships 2027 to benefit the long-term health of our sport.
“I am passionate about working collaboratively with partners to grow the profile of hockey and broaden its appeal.
“Our membership recently committed to innovative changes that can help build a better platform for growth. We must build on this trust by delivering these changes while listening and adapting to feedback about where we can improve.
“Having been a player, a hockey parent, a club chair, a county volunteer, an international team manager, and having worked across many roles at England Hockey, I have a deep connection to the sport, and I look forward to supporting hockey in this new role.”
Kath Russ, chair of England Hockey, said: Rich brings a unique combination of deep knowledge of the hockey community and a flair for innovation, with a clear commitment to change where it is needed.”
Jo Coates will continue as interim CEO until September.
