Press Release: For immediate use:
Thursday 18 October 2007

Sir Andrew Foster named as new Council for England Chair

Sir Andrew Foster, author of ‘The Future of British Athletics’ and Deputy Chairman of Royal Bank of Canada Europe Limited, has today been appointed as the new Chairman of the Commonwealth Games Council for England (CGCE) the organisation responsible for managing Team England at each Commonwealth Games.

The Council, late yesterday, approved his appointment unanimously. Sir Andrew’s role as external Chair of the Council is an innovative move for the sports body, dating back to the 1930s, which is seeking to re-brand, draw on external expertise and raise its profile in the lead-up to the Games of 2010 in Delhi.
Sir Andrew’s business acumen, as well as his knowledge and love of sport, will be key factors for an organisation that is already renowned for its ability to prepare and manage the Games-time team.

Sir Andrew Foster, Deputy Chairman of Royal Bank of Canada Europe Limited said: “The Commonwealth Games is known as ‘The Friendly Games’ because it is a wonderful multi-national and multi-cultural event which truly epitomizes internationalism”.

“Sport is something I have always been absolutely passionate about. It is beneficial to society in so many ways, encouraging self-expression, friendship and understanding”.
“I feel very honored and privileged to be appointed Chairman of the Commonwealth Games Council. I very much intend to bring together my interest for sport and experience of business and government to ensure that Team England takes every opportunity leading up to the next Games in Delhi in 2010”.
Ann Hogbin, Chief Executive of the CGCE said: “Sir Andrew’s appointment is part of a radical rethink of our structure and skill-sets. We are delighted to welcome him to the Council and look forward to working with him and the new board. There are some exciting times ahead”.

Sir Andrew will work with the Council to shape a Management Board with expertise to address key areas such as sports performance, marketing and sponsorship².
“I am sure that we will be the subject of intense focus in 2010 in Delhi as the nation builds to the staging of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in London. The Games will be seen as a barometer of progress across the Olympic sports. I am sure we will see new names emerge at those Games. It’s important that we deliver our core services to the usual high standard but equally important that we create the right profile and level of support”, added Sir Andrew.
The Commonwealth Games is traditionally a test-bed for young athletes who value the experience of competing on a major multi-sport stage as well as the kudos attached to winning a significant Championships medal. Athletes and other sportsmen and women like Denise Lewis, Daley Thompson, Jessica Ennis, Adrian Moorhouse and James Hickman, gymnast Annika Reeder and Audley Harrison as well as shooter Mick Gault etc. have all initially made their names at the Commonwealths”.

In addition, the Games provide a unique elite multi-sport experience for a range of non-Olympic sports including netball, rugby 7s and lawn bowls.

For further information contact:
The Council for England Press Office:
Caroline Searle: Tel: (01225) 383518. Mobile: (07831) 755351.

Royal Bank of Canada:
Beverley Weber: RBC Capital Markets & Wealth Management Communications
Work: 020 7029 7685. Mobile: 07872 191188.

Editors’ Notes:

Biography of Sir Andrew Foster

Knighted for achievement in health and local government in 2001. Sir Andrew is currently Deputy Chairman of the Royal Bank of Canada and is a non-executive director on a range of listed companies.

He has had a long and distinguished career in public service, having served as Chief Executive of the Audit Commission for England and Wales between 1992 and 2003.

Previous appointments include:

Deputy Chief Executive of the NHS; Regional Chief Executive for the NHS; Director of Social Services for North Yorkshire County Council.

Review of the Future of Further Education Colleges for the Secretary of State for Education November, 2005; Chairman Bureaucracy Review Group DFE Skills, May 2004; Chairman Foster Review Group Athletics, DCM Sport (modernisation of management of sport), May 2004.

Was independent member of Cabinet Committee Public Services Inspection, June 2004; Non-Executive Director Sport England, 2003; Non-Executive Director National Express, 2004; Non-Executive Director PruHealth, 2004; Non-Executive Director Nestor, 2004.