Olympic rowing champion Anna Watkins has led the BEAA through an intense period of development, rebranding the organisation and building the team to support and represent Britain's elite athlete community. Now she will seek a role where she can balance her career ambitions with time for her young family. 

A former Athlete Board member, she rejoined the then named British Athletes Commission in early 2022 as a consultant. Appointed CEO later that year, she oversaw a period of unprecedented development, including the rebranding of the federation and an increase in staff numbers. 

She also pioneered the Elite Alumni Digital Community and the Athlete Advisory Forum and, as a double Olympic medallist, promoted the interests of athletes across the elite sport system. During her time, the BEAA has continued to provide one-to-one support to athletes while significantly increasing its involvement in selection meetings, workshops and policy reviews. 

The recruitment of a new CEO is underway and an appointment is expected to be confirmed after the 2024 Paralympic Games. Anna Watkins will remain in her role until then to support the transition to new leadership. 

The staff and board of BEAA are on record as thanking Anna for her work as CEO and wishing her well for the future. BEAA Chair Dominic Mahony MBE said: "Anna joined the BEAA at a pivotal time and leaves it in excellent shape for the future, with a highly capable team pulling in a clear direction. She has worked tirelessly, with passion and dedication on behalf of Britain's elite athletes, who are better supported and represented as a result." 

Anna admitted that it was "a difficult decision to leave the BEAA, but I am proud of the many achievements of the Association over the last few years. It has been an honour to continue to strengthen the country's independent athletes' governing body and the support and representation of British elite athletes more widely." 

"I would like to thank each and every one of my colleagues for their efforts during my time as CEO and to extend that gratitude to the partners who have supported us. I'm looking forward to seeing the continued progress of the BEAA in the coming years and knowing that Britain's elite athletes are in safe hands." 

British Elite Athletes Association, BEAA (formerly the British Athletes Commission), is the independent representative body for over 1,200 elite British athletes in over 40 sports, providing support, representation and community to its members. Founded by athletes in 2004, BEAA provides confidential and expert advice, elevates the athlete voice through various athlete-led mechanisms and connects the athlete community past and present.