She takes up the position with immediate effect after having been serving in the role on an interim basis since January 1 following the departure of founding chief executive Andy Parkinson at the end of last year.

"I was delighted to have been appointed the interim chief executive of UKAD but I'm thrilled that it has been made permanent; it is a great privilege to hold this position," Sapstead said.

"I am so proud of what UKAD has achieved over the last five years; the systems, processes and procedures that we have so far established are working well, but there is always much more to do.

"UKAD's success has always depended on a team of committed and skilled staff members and I know that I can rely on them to assist me to deliver the best possible services to support and strengthen clean sport in the UK."

Sapstead's professional experience in anti-doping roles dates back to 1997.

Andy Parkinson left UKAD to become the chief executive of British Rowing ©Getty Images


She worked at UK Sport in a variety of roles across the business, including head of operations, from 2004, before joining UKAD in 2009 when it was first established.

She served as director of operations and was responsible for the delivery of the national anti-doping body's testing programme, intelligence function and the science and medicine portfolio.

UKAD chair David Kenworthy said Sapstead was "the standout candidate in a strong field" after going through a thorough selection process.

"Her background and experience in all aspects of anti-doping will stand UKAD in good stead as we introduce the new anti-doping code and face up to the challenges of protecting clean sport," he added.

"Nicole is a recognised leader in anti-doping and the board of UKAD and I look forward to working with her."

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