British Eventing (BE) has announced the appointment of Rosie Williams OBE as its new Chief Executive Officer, starting in September.
With a career spanning several decades in the sports industry, Rosie’s first national governing body role was as National Sports Manager for the Australian Equestrian Federation, however most of her career has been spent within the sport of rugby. Rosie spent 10 years as CEO of the Rugby Football Union for Women in England, delivering such success in the development of the sport that she was awarded an OBE for her contribution.
Her passion for horse sport started early; growing up in New South Wales, Australia, Rosie competed in several disciplines include eventing, showjumping, dressage, and polocrosse.
As the newly appointed CEO, Rosie will be responsible for overseeing all strategic and operational aspects of BE. Her primary focus will be to “foster the continued development of eventing, promote inclusivity within the sport and enhance the overall experience for participants and spectators alike, alongside an improved value proposition to members”.
Rosie said she was “thrilled and honoured” to be appointed.
“Eventing holds a special place in my heart and I am excited to contribute to the growth and success of this incredible sport,” she said. “I am committed to working closely with the talented team at BE, as well as the broader eventing community to ensure that our athletes, horses and all stakeholders have the best possible experience.”
Mark Sartori, Chairman of British Eventing, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the appointment.
“We are delighted that Rosie is joining BE as she brings successful CEO and national governing body (NGB) experience to BE,” he said. “Eventing, along with all equestrian sports faces challenges and we need a highly experienced CEO as we continue our three year re-structuring plan. It is vital that we unite all our stakeholders and Rosie has huge experience across a number of businesses, sports and different stakeholders. Running a NGB is not an easy role and the Board agreed that we needed someone who had a proven track record both as a CEO and working within a NGB and thus we are delighted that Rosie will be starting in September.
“On behalf of all at BE we ask all our stakeholders to continue to support the sport we love and help Rosie and the team over the exciting years ahead. I am personally very positive for the future as we continue to make the changes that will allow BE to not only be sustainable but thrive and become a world leader again.”
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