Hooper to Step Down as Commonwealth Games CEO after Glasgow 2014

Mike Hooper will step down as the chief executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) following Glasgow 2014, after 14 years in charge.

Hooper became the first ever full-time CEO of the CGF and has been at the helm for Commonwealth Games in Manchester Melbourne and New Delhi, with the Glasgow event being his last.

His decision to “pass the baton” came after last week’s CGF Extraordinary General Assembly in Kuala Lumpur.

The event decided numerous organisation changes including the decision to relocate the CGF main headquarters from London.

An official statement from Prince Tunku Imran, President of the CGF said: “After so many years as the driving force behind the CGF, Mike has recognised that the time is right to pass the baton to a new leader for the next phase of the CGF’s development.

“We are fortunate to have had Mike serving us tirelessly for the past 13 years, and we are appreciative that he has agreed to stay on until the successful delivery of the Games in Glasgow and to facilitate a successful transition to the next chapter of our development.

“Mike has not only made a tremendous contribution to the Games and the CGF, but also to the strengthening of sport within the Commonwealth.

“We will now instigate a world-wide search for a new CEO. It is great timing for a new CEO to come in and build on Mike’s legacy.”

The New Zealander joined from his home nations’ Olympic Committee (NZOC) where he served as the Secretary General.

New Delhi challenges

He faced arguably his hardest spell in charge of the CGF during the New Delhi Commonwealth Games where corruption, building delays and terrorist threats marred the build up to the event.

Commenting on his departure, Hooper said: “I’ve enjoyed the job enormously. It has been hugely challenging at times, particularly in the lead-up to Delhi, but we persevered and, in the end, those Games were a success for the athletes.

“Manchester, Melbourne and Delhi have all added to the rich heritage of the Commonwealth Games and I’m sure Glasgow and the Gold Coast will do the same.

“But the timing is perfect for me to make a move. I sat down with the President and the Board, and we’ve put together a plan that sees me at the helm until Glasgow, and involved in ensuring a successful handover to the next CEO.

“I’ve made many friends, had tremendous support from both Presidents under whom I have served, Mike Fennell and Tunku Imran, and had a great working relationship with our boards and committees.

“This year’s Games in Glasgow are set to be great Games and the CGF is well placed going forward. 

“It has been an honor to serve one of the enduring institutions of world sport.”

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