London, Jan 30, 2014: The CEO of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), Mike Hooper, has announced he intends to leave the organisation after the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Mike Hooper is credited with the establishment of the modern Commonwealth Games administration, moving it from a small volunteer-based administration when he started as the Federation’s first full time CEO in 2000 to a professional operation that has supported the successful celebration of the Games since in the United Kingdom, Australia and India.
He also led the ongoing development of candidature and contractual processes associated with the award of the Games including the forthcoming Games in Glasgow this July and the Gold Coast in 2018, as well as playing a leading role on the CGF’s Coordination Commissions at each host city during his tenure at the top of the organisation.
Hooper has also had a major hand in building the Federation’s much improved financial base and he will be leaving the Federation in a strong financial position, ready to launch the next era of the Commonwealth Games movement’s growth and activities.
CGF President, HRH Tunku Imran, in acknowledging the significant contribution made by Mike Hooper, says:
“After so many years as the driving force behind the CGF, Mike has recognised that the time is right to pass the baton to a new leader for the next phase of the CGF’s development.”
“We are fortunate to have had Mike serving us tirelessly for the past 13 years, and we are appreciative that he has agreed to stay on until the successful delivery of the Games in Glasgow and to facilitate a successful transition to the next chapter of our development,” Imran said.
“Mike has not only made a tremendous contribution to the Games and the CGF, but also to the strengthening of sport within the Commonwealth. We will now instigate a world-wide search for a new CEO. It is great timing for a new CEO to come in and build on Mike’s legacy.
Mike Hooper, former Secretary General of the New Zealand Olympic Committee, moved to London in 2000 to become the CGF’s inaugural CEO, establishing the CGF’s first professional headquarters.
“We have been through a huge development phase, putting the CGF on a professional footing as a modern global sports organisation with a strong financial foundation and a series of exceptional host cities,” Mr Hooper says.
“I’ve enjoyed the job enormously. It has been hugely challenging at times, particularly in the lead-up to Delhi, but we persevered and, in the end, those Games were a success for the athletes.
“Manchester, Melbourne and Delhi have all added to the rich heritage of the Commonwealth Games and I’m sure Glasgow and the Gold Coast will do the same.
“But the timing is perfect for me to make a move. I sat down with the President and the Board, and we’ve put together a plan that sees me at the helm until Glasgow, and involved in ensuring a successful handover to the next CEO.
“I’ve made many friends, had tremendous support from both Presidents under whom I have served, Mike Fennell and Tunku Imran, and had a great working relationship with our boards and committees.
“This year’s Games in Glasgow are set to be great Games and the CGF is well placed going forward. It has been an honor to serve one of the enduring institutions of world sport.” —- CGF
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