Pentathlon GB have named former Bath Rugby operations director Nigel Laughton as its new chief executive officer.
Laughton has 17 years' experienced in elite sport and will join the national governing body for the Olympic sport of modern pentathlon on November 3.
He comes to Pentathlon GB after three years as performance director of British Skeleton, which included working as Team GB's team leader for skeleton at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games, where Britain's Lizzy Yarnold struck gold.
His extensive experience in the world of sport has included roles as European development manager for the International Cricket Council, National Academy manager of the England and Wales Cricket Board and three seasons as rugby operations director at Bath Rugby.
Before joining British Skeleton, Laughton played a pivotal role in the setting up and running of the 2009 inaugural cricket Champions League T20 tournament in India, was a director for the Indian Premier League and managed the 2011 Cricket World Cup in Bangladesh.
After leaving school, he joined the British Army and served for nine years in The Black Watch and flew helicopters. He also has a degree from Oxford University.
Laughton joins Pentathlon GB at an exciting time with less than two years until the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Great Britain hosts the 2015 European Championships at the University of Bath next August – one of the main opportunities for British pentathletes to qualify for Rio.
"I am honoured to have been offered this incredible opportunity to lead Pentathlon GB in the lead-up to Rio 2016 and beyond," said Laughton.
"I look forward to working with both the development and performance staff, in Bath and across Great Britain, to fulfil the ambitious strategic goals of the association.
"With an Olympic qualifying championship in Bath next summer, we have a great chance to showcase the facilities at the University of Bath, which is home to our National Training Centre, and for our athletes to perform on home soil in front of big audiences and crowds.
"Building on the Olympic medal successes since 2000 and continued support from UK Sport, Sport England, Home Nations, other partners and sponsors, Pentathlon GB is a very exciting organisation to be joining."
Anthony Temple QC, chairman of Pentathlon GB, said: "We are delighted to announce the appointment of Nigel Laughton as our new chief executive officer. Nigel's track record is impressive.
"He joins us at an exciting time for Pentathlon GB and for the sport of modern pentathlon. I am sure he will build on our recent achievements and take Pentathlon GB forward with confidence as we grow our sport in the UK and continue to achieve international successes at all levels."
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