Parkinson is currently chief executive of UK Anti-Doping (UKAD), which he has established at the forefront of global anti-doping organisation and best practice since becoming the first person to hold the position in 2009.

Prior to his leadership of UKAD, Parkinson headed the anti-doping operations at UK Sport as director of Drug-Free Sport, having previously been its head of operations.

The former medical and scientific director of the International Paralympic Committee has also worked for Paralympics New Zealand and served as President of New Zealand Wheelchair Rugby.

Parkinson has also been active in the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) Independent Observer Programme and the 2010 Tour de France.

"It has been a privilege to be the first chief executive of UK Anti-Doping," said Parkinson, chair of WADA's Ad Hoc European Committee.

"I have had the opportunity to work with many highly skilled and committed individuals and am extremely proud of what UKAD has achieved over the past five years.

​"Rowing has been one of the most successful British Olympic sports and I am very much looking forward to leading the organisation as it strives for greater success, growth and participation at every level.

"Now is the time for me to seek a fresh challenge and it is an honour to be joining British Rowing as chief executive."

Andy Parkinson will replace interim chief executive Neil Chugani (centre), who won a gold medal at the World Rowing Championships in 2001 ©Getty Images



Annamarie Phelps, chairman of British Rowing, added: "I am delighted that Andy will be joining British Rowing as our chief executive.

"Andy brings a wealth of experience and proven leadership capabilities in sporting governance, both national and international.

"He was impressive during a rigorous and competitive selection process and we very much look forward to welcoming him to British Rowing when he joins us next year."

British Rowing has been led by interim chief executive Neil Chugani since the beginning of this year, and he will remain in the post until Parkinson's arrival to ensure a smooth transition.

Chugani, a former rowing world champion, as well as a former senior executive at Goldman Sachs, BSkyB Group and BBC Worldwide, played a leading role in the search for a permanent chief executive.

The UK Sport Board member will be returning to his business career but will continue to support British Rowing in an advisory capacity.

"British Rowing was fortunate indeed this year to be able to call upon someone of Neil's outstanding professional experience, business acumen and personal passion for rowing, to take on the role of chief executive on an interim basis," said Phelps.

"He has provided strong and effective leadership to the organisation during 2014, has made a significant and successful contribution to British Rowing, and I look forward to paying him a full tribute when he hands over his responsibilities."

The London 2012 Olympic Games were the GB Rowing Team's most successful of all time ©Getty Images



​One of the first British Rowing activities that Parkinson will oversee in his role as chief executive will be the inaugural British Rowing Indoor Championships at the London 2012 Olympic Velodrome on February 8.

More than 2000 competitors and spectators are expected to attend the event in the iconic venue to see champions crowned across a number of race formats.

British Rowing is one of the most successful British sports in Olympic history.

The GB Rowing Team achieved a record haul of nine medals at the London 2012 and won 10 medals at the 2014 World Championships in Amsterdam, including gold in the women's pair, the Para mixed coxed four, the men's four and the men's eight.

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