Hartley featured at three Olympic Games, winning bronze in the women's K1 500 metres at London 2012.

She also won three bronze medals at the ICF World Championships in canoe sprint.

Hartley is one of two sprint representatives on the Athlete Committee, the other being Hungary's Sándor Tótka, the gold medallist in the men's K1 200m at Tokyo 2020.

Czech Jiří Prskavec, the reigning men's K1 Olympic champion, and Britain's Eilidh Gibson are the slalom representatives, while American duo Dane Jackson and Anna Bruno sit on the Athlete Committee from canoe freestyle.

Para canoeists Patrick O'Leary of Ireland and Amanda Jennings from Australia, a silver medallist in the women's KL3 at the Rio 2016 Paralympics, complete the eight-member body.

Hartley was selected by the Athlete Committee to be its chair, and is looking forward to serving in the role.

"It's really a great feeling to be able to represent the athletes as I am very passionate about my sport after competing for 15 years in South African colours as a paddler," Hartley said.

"I do think this is a wonderful opportunity to help create a Committee who can assist all different paddle disciplines so our athletes get a chance to compete with their best interests at heart."

ICF President Thomas Konietzko believes Hartley is the ideal representative to take on the position as chair.

"The International Canoe Federation is very fortunate to have so many great athletes competing in so many different disciplines," Konietzko commented.

"As a sport, our strength is determined by our athletes, and I feel confident Bridgitte and her Committee will be a strong voice for paddlers all over the world.

"Bridgitte is a very experienced paddler and a great ambassador for our sport.

"I am looking forward to her input at the ICF Board.

"Our Committee is truly global and will have a strong voice as we shape the future for our athletes."

Hartley completes the 15-member line-up of the ICF Executive Committee.