British Cycling

BRITISH CYCLING APPOINTS NEW CHAIRMAN

Brian Cookson, President of British Cycling and Chairman of it’s Board for the past six years, has decided to give up the latter role, due to pressure of his own work and family commitments. At last Saturday’s Executive Board meeting, Cookson expressed his desire to stand down as Chairman, and the Board elected Steve Meredith to the position. Cookson, who was re-elected as President for a seventh successive year at November’s National Council, was appointed as Vice Chairman.

“I have now held both these demanding honorary roles since the new Board set about rebuilding the organisation at the end of 1996. It was never my intention to keep both roles so long, but circumstances have not been right for a change until now.” commented Cookson.

“Over recent months, I have been promoted in my own career, and my spare time is under great pressure. I have felt for some time that the expansion plans currently being developed for British Cycling will demand more input from the President and the Chairman if we are to be successful. Thus the combined role is no longer appropriate and I am delighted that Steve has taken over the Chairman role. He has provided much experienced input to the Board’s activities over the past few years and I am sure that, as Chairman, he will be able to play a strong part in helping take the organisation forward.”

Meredith (55) has been involved in cycling for many years, having initially joined the BCF back in 1970. He served as National Councillor and Treasurer of the old Coventry Division, and has been a member of the Executive Board since 1998. He is currently Treasurer of West Midlands Division and Chairman of the Kenilworth Wheelers CC. His professional career has been based in the general engineering industry, where he was Managing Director of Cape Engineering UK in Warwick (where he lives) for 15 years. He is now Executive Director of the Company with Board-level responsibilities for business development.

He has been closely involved this year with the development of the 4-year Strategic Plan for British Cycling and will continue to play a leading role in that planning process. He says “I am convinced that the Plan we have now drawn up will lead to a significant level of growth for British Cycling over the next few years. Internationally we are becoming the envy of many of the more traditional “top” cycling nations. We must now focus on building a stronger domestic racing scene and attracting many more participants into cycling. I believe the Plan takes us in that direction. I expect the next few years to bring many changes and I am looking forward to playing my part as the new Chairman.”

Meredith was re-elected to the Board at National Council, having reached the end of his term-of-office, and will serve on the Board for a further three years.

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