British Rowing Appoints Director Of Innovation

Helen Rowbotham has been appointed British Rowing’s new Director of Innovation. Helen will be joining British Rowing in early January 2016.  She is currently Director of Consulting at CSM Strategic, the consulting team within the sports and entertainment division of Chime Communications.

Helen has 17 years experience in the sports and events industry, delivering projects both in the UK and internationally for local, city and national government organisations; event bidding and organising committees; Olympic Committees; event rights holders and many others.

Her experience includes comprehensive strategic reviews of the Commonwealth Games Federation and Paralympic Games, the development of a High Performance Strategy for Saudi Arabia, multiple event feasibility and bidding projects (including the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games) and working on a wide range of facility development projects, including the 2012 Olympic Stadium and Singapore Sports Hub. She has also recently played a key role in the creation of a new strategic plan for the International Paralympic Committee’s Agitos Foundation.  

Helen will be responsible for driving innovation across British Rowing and overseeing the implementation of new projects and initiatives.  Commenting on her appointment, Helen said: “In a rapidly changing sports sector, embracing change and opportunities to innovate, whilst also respecting rowing’s unique heritage will be essential to its continued participation, performance and commercial success.” 

Remarking on the appointment, Andy Parkinson, CEO of British Rowing, said:  “Helen has been hugely successful in delivering change in her previous role and with her understanding of the sector she will be an invaluable asset to British Rowing’s new senior team. There are many ideas out there in rowing at the moment and this role will enable British Rowing to have the focus, capacity and expertise to turn ideas into programmes, ensuring long-term sustainability and relevance to the next generation of rowers. Most importantly, Helen will be able to bring her experience to our sport and drive our approach to innovation at all levels.”