Pentathlon GB have announced the departure of chief executive Nigel Laughton ©Getty Images

Pentathlon GB have announced the departure of their chief executive Nigel Laughton less than a year after he took the position.

The news follows Britain’s successful staging of the 2015 Modern Pentathlon European Championships, which took place at the University of Bath last month.

At the Championships home favourites Joe Choong and Kate French earned qualification berths for Rio 2016, with Olympic silver medallist Samantha Murray having already earned a place after her performance at the World Championships.

Despite this achievement, Laughton has now left the governing body, with Pentathlon GB citing “significant differences” between the board and Laughton as the reason for his departure.

It is claimed the differences centered predominately on aspirations and the specifics of implementing Pentathlon GB’s updated strategy, particularly with regards to hosting international events annually.

Pentathlon GB’s chairman Tony Temple praised Laughton’s contribution since taking up the post and thanked him for helping to make the European Championships a success.

Nigel Laughton leaves the organisation despite Kate French (left), Samantha Murray and Joe Choong having sealed Rio 2016 berths
Nigel Laughton leaves the organisation despite Kate French (left), Samantha Murray and Joe Choong having sealed Rio 2016 berths ©Pentathlon GB/Twitter

“The separation is entirely amicable,” he said.

“The search for Nigel’s successor – to fulfill a really important, challenging and rewarding role - is underway.”

Before joining the organisation in November 2014, Laughton had spent three years as performance director of Britain's national governing body for skeleton, British Skeleton.

His 18-years of working in elite sport have also seen him work as European development manager for the International Cricket Council and as national academy manager of the England and Wales Cricket Board.

He also had three seasons as rugby operations director at Bath Rugby.

 


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