British Rowing has appointed Marlow’s Greg Searle MBE as its new director of performance, responsible for leading Great Britain’s World Class programme in the lead up to the Los Angeles Olympics and Paralympics in 2028.

Following an extensive recruitment process, Greg has been selected to take on the role and will start his tenure from Friday (October 23).

British Rowing said that Greg, who is also chairman of Henley Cricket Club, will bring his extensive experience of elite sport, leadership and performance to the role, having had 30 years of experience helping organisations build high-performance cultures. He’s a four-time Olympian and an America’s Cup sailor. Greg also won gold and two bronze medals for Great Britain at the Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996 and London 2012 Olympic Games. He made a comeback at the age of 40 for the London 2012 games and was part of the eights crew which won bronze at Dorney Lake.

Beyond sport, Greg has spent 14 years building and leading his own consulting business, working with corporate, public sector, charity and sporting organisations including the NHS, Football Association (FA) and Access Sport. He has also held senior consulting, portfolio leadership and partner roles at Lane4 Management Group.

Greg will lead British Rowing’s World Class Programme as well as the GB Rowing Team at British Rowing’s National Training Centre in Caversham, Reading.

Greg said: “I first attended a World Rowing event in 1986, and the sport has been part of my life ever since. I’ve experienced it as a spectator, an Olympian, an umpire, and a commentator - and now I’m excited to experience it as a leader and Performance Director. We have a talented and committed coaching and performance team who care deeply about helping the athletes to succeed. I’m looking forward to supporting them and creating the conditions for our rowers to thrive as we prepare for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles in less than two years’ time.”

Tom Solesbury, CEO of British Rowing said: “Greg combines first-hand experience of competing at the top of our sport with a clear understanding of what it takes to build and sustain high-performing teams that prioritise people and wellbeing alongside long-term success.”

Greg’s appointment was made by an interview panel comprising Kate Baker, Performance Director at UK Sport; Chris Spice, Performance Director at Aquatics GB; Tom Solesbury, CEO of British Rowing; and Diana Hunter, Chair of British Rowing.