(ATR) The World Squash Federation begins the search for a new chief executive officer.
Andrew Shelley announced he is stepping down at the end of June, after almost nine years in the position.
Shelley’s decision comes after the WSF’s failed attempt to get squash onto the sports program for Paris 2024.
"The Olympic bid is over – sadly, far earlier than we had hoped – and the challenges facing us need strong impetus as we consider our future relationships and strategy," Shelley said in an open letter to the WSF Executive Board.
"With this in mind I have decided that it is the right time for both WSF and myself for me to step down as CEO. I saw the Olympic bid through as promised but if I stay a little longer I will only be hanging around and hanging on. Instead, I should be letting a fresh CEO make a start. It is definitely in our best interests not to delay."
Squash has now failed in efforts to make the cut in four straight Summer Games, beginning with London 2012. Paris 2024 opted for breaking, surfing, skateboarding and sport climbing as its choices.
Shelley, who joined the WSF as its CEO in August of 2010 after 15 years at the Women’s International Squash Players’ Association (WISPA), says he intends to continue "working in squash for a couple of years before getting a ‘proper’ job".
He also says "You can be sure that if possible and needed I will help with the transition for my successor as much as I can. Obviously before 30 June, but I am also very open to discuss some form of support assistance afterwards if that is desired."
Written by Gerard Farek
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