England Hockey Bids Farewell to Chairman Royston Hoggarth After Nine Years of Leadership (original) (raw)

England Hockey Chair Royston Hoggarth will depart the role after serving three terms of three years as the sport’s first independent Chair, leaving behind a legacy of transformational leadership, significant achievements, and a deep commitment to the sport. Throughout his tenure, he has built strong relationships with the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Board, the major country National Association Presidents and IHF President Tayyab Ikram.

Hoggarth’s passion for hockey has been evident throughout his term as Chair. His leadership has seen unparalleled international success at the Olympics, European Championships and Commonwealth Games. Building on London 2012, hockey has also hosted several major tournaments, including the Champions Trophy, and the Women’s World Cup in 2018, as well as pioneering Big Stadium Hockey at The Twickenham Stoop in 2019 with the support of the Harlequins Board. More recently hockey has enjoyed great success in the newly formed FIH Hockey Pro League, where England Hockey continues to be one of the main drivers to help evolve this product into a leading international competition.

He has also overseen the introduction to major changes in the talent pathway system with our clubs, to create an environment for the very best young players of all diverse backgrounds to become exceptional hockey players competing for places in our developmental and international teams.

Under Hoggarth’s leadership, England Hockey introduced new strategies in 2016 and 2023 and oversaw the implementation of an ED&I Framework in 2022. He steered the organisation through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, with hockey emerging as one of the first team sports to restart their leagues and competitions.

He worked with the Board and members to guide the organisation through a major restructure of the sport, initiated by an AGM resolution in 2021 from member clubs. This restructure included the establishment of a new Area structure across England, new legal structures, Area Board Directors, and a new governance model with the Area Standing Committee ASC. Hoggarth’s time as Chair has also enjoyed meaningful growth in player numbers, including the doubling of junior participation in hockey since 2012 and the expansion of Masters Hockey across all age groups.

Remarking on his tenure, Hoggarth said: “I am very honoured and privileged to have had the opportunity of working with the Board of England Hockey for the last nine years. I cannot thank enough everyone who has supported me, all the Board members, the Presidents, our clubs, members, our funding partners, UK Sport and Sport England, the British Olympic Association, the International Hockey Federation and our international colleagues. As befitting our sport, it has been a huge team effort, and hopefully we have put England Hockey in a very strong place to compete internationally, but to also see the continued growth of our sport in our clubs and schools. I shall remain eternally grateful to have had the opportunity of working with everyone, it has been a wonderful and memorable experience. I wish Kath Russ and the team every success going forward, I look forward to seeing hockey continue to grow as a sport and the Board continuing to provide strong leadership in the years ahead.”

England Hockey CEO Nick Pink said: "Royston's genuine passion for the sport and his commitment to everyone involved has been truly inspiring. His dedication to hockey's growth has driven remarkable achievements, both internationally and domestically, propelling the sport to new heights.

“Personally, I am deeply grateful for Royston's unwavering support during my tenure as Chief Executive, especially in helping me and the board navigate significant challenges, including the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic. Royston leaves England Hockey in a strong and thriving position, and I look forward to working alongside Kath Russ, who will assume the role of Chair on 1 September."

England Hockey extends its sincere gratitude to Hoggarth for his exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and outstanding impact to the sport. His efforts will leave a lasting mark on the hockey community for years to come.