Growing up in Llandudno, North Wales, Alistair worked as a senior instructor at the National Watersport Centre, Plas Menai, before pursuing a career as an officer in the British Army. More latterly, he has spent 8 years at the RYA as High Performance Manager & Interim CEO for RYA Cymru Wales, and Director of Sport Development at RYA HQ.
During his time as Director of Sport Development, Alistair was credited with supporting the development and modernisation of the large network of clubs and training centres in line with the findings of the British Marine Futures Project – a joint initiative looking at the future customer of the UK leisure boating and watersports industry. He also led on national volunteer development projects and pioneering research which highlighted the power of outdoor activities like sailing in developing essential character attributes in young people.
Alistair's impact at the RYA meant he was put forward on the UK Sport Future Leaders’ Programme amongst some of the best leaders within sport in Great Britain. After a brief time in post as Performance Manager at Canoe Wales, the opportunity arose to apply for the role of CEO and after a rigorous interview process, he was successful in his application.
Alistair has this to say about his new appointment:
“I’m really delighted to be appointed CEO of Canoe Wales. I’ve been involved in watersports my whole life and I am passionate about the positive impact they have on people’s lives. My focus as CEO is to build on the great work the team here has done over the past few years and to further develop the communication and engagement Canoe Wales has with its stakeholders and the paddlesports community.
Having been responsible for analysing watersports participation statistics at the RYA, I am acutely aware of the opportunities and the growing nature of paddlesports. I’ll be leading the organisation’s transition out of COVID-19 whilst ensuring we capitalise on the many opportunities that paddlesports offer at a time like this when people are desperate to get outdoors and enjoy the amazing opportunities we have for outdoor sports here in Wales.
From a personal perspective, I’ll be looking to get involved in as much paddling as possible once conditions allow. I’ll also be ensuring I use every opportunity to engage and meet with as many of you as possible and hear how you think paddlesports should be developed here in Wales.”
Kerry Chown, Chair of the Board of Directors, commented:
"I am delighted that Canoe Wales has been able to secure such a high calibre person to be its new Chief Executive. The Board undertook a very rigorous recruitment process, which has delivered a great result. We look forward to working with Alistair over the coming weeks and months, and delivering great success for paddlesport in Wales, as we start to come out of the COVID-19 period."
While Canoe Wales’ event programme for 2021 is still being finalised, Alistair will be at our Annual General Meeting in the Autumn so our members will have a chance to meet him there - though we hope that many of you will have the opportunity to meet or talk with Alistair well before then. If you would like to make contact in the meantime, you can reach him on alistair.dickson@canoewales.com
