SRI Assisting Commonwealth Games Federation in CEO Search
April 8, 2021 – The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has selected London-based executive recruiting firm SRI to help launch a worldwide search for a new CEO to lead the organization through the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and beyond. David Grevemberg recently stepped down following six years in the role. “After much reflection, I feel that now is the right moment to pass the baton,” he said. “This will give a successor time to support and experience next year’s games in Birmingham and plan and oversee the next significant phase of the federation’s history, post-transformation 2022.”
“We are delighted to be launching our global search for a new chief executive officer,” said Dame Louise Martin, president of the Commonwealth Games Federation. “This is a significant leadership role not only in Commonwealth Sport, but across the entire international sporting landscape. As we seek to define the next phase of our strategic plan, and with Birmingham 2022 fast- approaching, this is a golden opportunity for an inspirational figure to join us and help write a new chapter in our 90-year story.”
Headquartered in London, the new CEO will drive the strategic direction of the organization as it approaches its centenary in 2030 and continues its transformation into a global sporting movement focused on community legacy, benefit, and impact through sport. The CEO will manage relationships with global stakeholders, including 72 commonwealth games associations (CGAs), international federations, games organizing committees and host city partners and commonwealth institutions. They will also work closely with CGF Partnerships and the newly- launched Commonwealth Sport Foundation.
The Commonwealth Games Federation is responsible for the direction and control of the Commonwealth Games, and for delivering on the vision of the Commonwealth Sports Movement: “through sport, we build peaceful, sustainable and prosperous communities across the Commonwealth.”
SRI is a global executive search and consulting firm focused on the sport, esports, media and entertainment, fashion, and sporting goods industries. The firm’s services include executive search, emerging leaders search, hiring strategy, board assessment, succession planning, salary benchmarking, new market entry consulting and multi-vacancy projects.
Recent Growth
SRI recently appointed Karen Wishart as non-executive director. She joined the SRI board with over 24 years of leadership experience in media and entertainment and organizational, operational and talent strategy. “I am delighted to welcome Karen to our board,” said Mike Squires, SRI chairman. “She brings highly relevant industry and functional experience, which reflects the importance of our media and entertainment practice and growing consulting services. Since establishing our U.S. offices in 2016, North America has become a significant part of our global business and Karen’s background in Canada and the U.S. will give critical insight to our firm’s strategy.”
SRI has made other moves in recent months to strengthen its North American presence. Partner Paul Chidley has relocated to the firm’s Los Angeles office where he will be responsible for driving the North American sports practice across its three offices in New York, Boston and Los Angeles. Mr. Chidley has spent the last 10 years building SRI’s European business and advising organizations at the intersection of the converging worlds of sport, media, content and technology. He has over a decade of search experience working with leading organizations including the NFL’s Washington Football Team, Ironman, AEG, Liverpool FC, Manchester United FC and F1 Management to find game changing talent.
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
