News Archive

News

Share  Tweet Thursday 8th February 2018

British Orienteering appoints new Chief Executive Officer

Peter Hart has been announced as the new Chief Executive Officer of British Orienteering, to take the sport of orienteering forward to 2020 and beyond.

Peter Hart will take the strategic lead of the National Governing Body and will guide the sport of orienteering through the delivery of British Orienteering’s Strategic Plan.

Commenting on his recent appointment, Peter Hart said: “I am delighted and honoured to accept the position of CEO at British Orienteering and look forward to maintaining and building on the significant achievements of Mike Hamilton retiring CEO. Sport has always been a lifelong passion of mine and I have experience of witnessing first hand of its potential to create opportunities and change people's lives. I am looking forward to leading British Orienteering and their staff within the team to increase participation and enjoyment of orienteering at all levels.”

Peter has a wealth of experience of competing and working in sport. He competed as an orienteer at gold badge level until 1986 including competing in the JK event as well as finishing runner-up in the Inter-Services Championships. He also represented Modern Pentathlon at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games. Following his career as an athlete, he worked as a National Development Officer and as a Technical Officer at the Central Council of Physical Recreation now known as the Sport and Recreation Alliance before becoming Chief Executive of Modern Pentathlon for eight years. He was the Competition Manager for Modern Pentathlon at the 2012 Summer London Olympics and has spent the last four years at the Open University.

Peter Hart

British Orienteering would like to take this opportunity to thank Mike Hamilton for his leadership, determination and hard work he has given over the last 12 years. Mike has been a lever for leading change and developing growth by encouraging the sport to modernise. One way he has done this is by encouraging local, urban orienteering and showcasing the sport as a modern outdoor adventure sport. The Sport and Recreation Alliance presented Mike with an Emeritus Award this year for his long-term service to orienteering.

Peter Hart took up his new post on 1 February 2018.

Retiring Chief Executive Officer Mike Hamilton, says: “I have been involved in sport throughout my life as a participant, performer, volunteer and professional and have been Chief Executive at British Orienteering since January 2006. I count myself very fortunate to have been so readily accepted as Chief Executive in the sport.

British Orienteering turned 50 years old last year and I’m delighted to hand over the CEO reins to Peter and look forward to seeing orienteering continue to grow and develop. I’ve enjoyed my time at British Orienteering and wish Peter all the very best as he leads British Orienteering in his new position.” 

Judith Holt Chair of British Orienteering, says: “I am delighted to announce that the appointments panel has completed its task and we can confirm that Peter Hart has accepted the role of Chief Executive Officer for British Orienteering. At the interview, Peter demonstrated the leadership qualities and understanding of the role that British Orienteering is looking for as well as having the appropriate experience.”

“I would like to thank Mike Hamilton for his dedication, commitment and hard work over the last 12 years. As Chair of British Orienteering, I have personally benefited enormously from the extensive knowledge Mike has built up about the sport and its governance. On behalf of all at British Orienteering, members, volunteers, staff and clubs I would also like to take this opportunity to wish Mike a long and happy retirement.”

Top