Findlay will join the BBL Foundation in July after completing his sixth season as chief executive of the London Youth Games Foundation.

He has sat at the helm of that foundation since 2008 and brought about a host of successful changes during his years in charge.

As well as introducing new competitions ranging from BMX to cross-country, and reintroducing the regatta, he has seen the Games quadruple in size leading it to become Europe's largest youth sport event with more than 114,000 participants.

Additionally, Russell was responsible for initiating the GamesForce, the London Youth Games volunteer programme which now includes 3,000 volunteers.

Upon the announcement of his departure, a statement on the Games' website read: "London Youth Games are very grateful to Russell for the work he has put in and he leaves the Foundation in its strongest financial position and with a strong team managing the development of the Games."

As chief executive of the London Youth Games Foundation, Russell Findlay (right) saw the Games quadruple in size with around 114,000 participants now involved in the event ©LYG


From July, Findlay will head the BBL Foundation as it continues in its goals to provide a national vehicle for community basketball programmes.

On his appointment, Kevin Routledge, vice-chairman of the BBL Foundation, expressed his delight at having Findlay onboard.

"We are delighted to appoint Russell, who has absolutely the right background and experience to take the Foundation forward," he said.

"Sport England have shown confidence in the Foundation in their announcement regarding the funding of our planned national project, and it is essential we have the right leadership in place to deliver this and other projects of the Foundation.

"The Board of the Foundation is looking forward to Russell driving our organisation forward."

Findlay himself added: "Across all of the sports that I have worked in over the last 10 years, converting the huge interest in basketball into regular community participation is, for me, the most exciting challenge.

"Everyone I meet in basketball shows such passion for the sport and I am looking forward to working with not only the BBL clubs, but the whole basketball family over the coming years to help the sport reach its potential."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
August 2009: Findlay appointed first chief executive of London Youth Games