The passing of the torch to a new era of leaders in sport

Bambos Eracleous, partner for Sports, Media & Entertainment, explores the changing face of sports governing bodies post-Olympics.

The Paris 2024 Olympics were an exhibition of sporting excellence, featuring photo finishes, emotional farewells, and GOAT-worthy performances. The end of an Olympic cycle will always mark a moment of reflection and evaluation for athletes but they’re not the only ones who find themselves at a natural crossroads - sport’s governing bodies often reassess leadership and strategic direction during this time as they begin to plot their course for the next Olympic Games in four years time. The quick shift in focus was well illustrated by Tom Cruise’s daring stunt at the closing ceremony, bringing the Olympic flag to the home of the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. Navigating a key leadership transition might feel like a ‘mission impossible’, so here is some guidance on when and why the need for an Interim CEO may arise and the benefits they bring.

CEO changes are common at the end of an Olympic cycle. with British Swimming, UK Athletics and Table Tennis England (to name just a few) all appointing an interim CEO after the delayed Tokyo Olympics in 2021. But why is it so common at this juncture?

When and why an Interim CEO is needed:

Voluntary departures: After the intense demands of the Olympic cycle, some leaders may choose to step down. A drop in energy and motivation levels is only natural and this can lead individuals to retire, take a break or to pursue different opportunities.

Board-initiated changes: A new Chair/Board may decide that a change of leadership is necessary due to a shift in strategy, funding, or off the back of performance over the last four years.

Preventing organisational limbo: If a new Chair is being appointed, it is often beneficial to have them in place before selecting a new permanent CEO. An Interim CEO can ensure stability and leadership during a period of significant change.

Medium-to-long term planning: An Interim CEO can also provide stability while a new Chair decides on the longer-term needs of the organisation.

Mitigation after a turbulent period: If things have gone wrong, then an Interim CEO can be bought-in to steady the ship before an organisation begins a permanent search.

Urgent change programs: When immediate change is needed, an Interim CEO is a good option, rather than waiting several months to make a permanent appointment.

Market timing:  A number of governing bodies might be recruiting a CEO at the same time, so it may be a good strategy to wait until that wave of appointments is  over before beginning your own permanent search.

Interim CEO appointments offer a plethora of benefits by virtue of them being short term. They can be quickly brought on board when needed and can make immediate use of their valuable experience from similar roles. They are experts in managing change and transformation, making them well-suited to lead organisations during periods of instability.

Whilst the Olympics is the apotheosis of sporting glory, the calendar is still stacked with sporting events in the intervening four years, such as world championships and the Commonwealth Games – an Interim CEO is key to keeping an organisation on track as they navigate other competitions. .

There can certainly be hurdles to overcome for sporting organisations at the end of an Olympic cycle, but just as the suave, laid-back Turkish shooter was able to find his rhythm under pressure, an Interim CEO can help sports organisations establish their own rhythm during periods of uncertainty. But let's face it, they’re probably not going to look as cool doing it as Yusuf Dikec – but who could?!

At Odgers Interim, we have an impressive track record of placing Interim CEOs into sports organisations. If you would like to find out more, please do get in touch.