UKAD confirms Emily Robinson as interim Chief Executive

• UKAD Director of Strategy and Education to take the reins while search continues for permanent replacement
• Emily Robinson to replace Nicole Sapstead who leaves UKAD for International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA)
• Emily Robinson to take up the role at the end of August 2021

UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) has today confirmed that Emily Robinson will take over as interim Chief Executive when Nicole Sapstead leaves the organisation at the end of August.

Emily Robinson, the current Director of Strategy and Education at UKAD, was appointed by the UKAD Chair Trevor Pearce, with approval from the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), Oliver Dowden, following a panel interview process with an independent member and representation from DCMS.

Speaking on the announcement Emily said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as the interim Chief Executive. UKAD’s role to protect clean sport is more important than ever, and with the Olympics taking place right now, our duty to make sure all athletes are competing on a level playing field couldn’t be clearer.

“We have an excellent team with world class expertise across all areas of anti-doping, led by an experienced and capable group of directors. I’m looking forward to stepping in to lead as the organisation continues its search for a permanent replacement.”

UKAD Chair Trevor Pearce CBE QPM said: “I am delighted to be able to confirm Emily’s appointment as UKAD’s interim Chief Executive. Emily has been a UKAD director for the past four and a half years and is a passionate advocate for clean sport. She has led the Strategy and Education directorate during the intense pre-Tokyo games period and managed all the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic has placed on these teams. Emily brings a great skill set and leadership qualities, and will make a more than capable leader for UKAD while we make plans for a permanent Chief Executive.”

Nicole Sapstead, who has led the organisation for six years, leaves for a senior position at the newly formed International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).

The interim Chief Executive role is expected to be in place until early 2022, and arrangements are being made to cover UKAD’s Strategy and Education directorate during this period.