Blanchard appointed chief executive of Commonwealth Games England

Paul Blanchard has been appointed chief executive of Commonwealth Games England ©Getty Images

Paul Blanchard has been appointed chief executive of Commonwealth Games England (CGE) in order to strengthen the commercial operation and provide world-class support ahead of Gold Coast 2018.

He will replace interim post-holder Richard Graham, the former Professional Squash Association head who had taken over from Adam Paker last October after the latter departed to take up an equivalent post at the Amateur Swimming Association.

The CGE aims to draw on Blanchard’s 20 years of sports management and commercial experience to build on success in Glasgow 2014, when England finished top of the medals table and ahead of Australia for the first time in 28 years.

“Topping the kind of performance Team England delivered at Glasgow 2014 is the toughest challenge for any sports team," said Commonwealth Games England chairman Ian Metcalfe.

"We are determined to build on this success and Paul has the experience and knowledge to continue to strengthen CGE's sporting and commercial performance as we prepare for Gold Coast 2018.

"Paul’s impressive leadership skills, knowledge of sports business and track record of delivering commercial success shone among a set of outstanding candidates.”

Blanchard has previously served in roles including at Surrey County Cricket Club ©Getty Images

Blanchard has previously served as chief executive of Harlequins Rugby League as well as being sales and marketing director at Surrey County Cricket Club between 2004 and 2008, securing the largest domestic cricket sponsorship deal in Surrey's history.

More recently, he has served as chief executive of the Surrey Sports Park elite training facility, which has included hosted top international competitions and working with some of the world’s top teams, including 16 Olympic and Paralympic teams ahead of London 2012.

He consequently has the "commercial acumen" required to continue to build the Team England brand, it is thought, as well as a detailed understanding of the needs of athletes.

“Working with top athletes and their teams for more than 20 years I know the support they need to prepare and compete to their best potential and the importance of a strong brand to help deliver and fund great performance," Blanchard said.

"It is a privilege to have the opportunity to build on the power, appeal and success of Team England.

"Gold Coast 2018 is going to be incredibly competitive and we will work tirelessly to capitalise on the great potential that exists for Team England.”