Rowing Canada overhaul continues as Dillon is named chief executive officer

VICTORIA – The latest step in the Rowing Canada overhaul was made Wednesday with the appointment of two-time Olympic rower Terry Dillon as the organization’s chief executive officer.

Dillon, who competed on the British rowing team from 1985 to 1993, will be based in Victoria. He will begin his role on Feb. 1.

“I’m excited to be joining Rowing Canada and to have been given this great opportunity of leading the organization into the next quadrennial,” Dillon said in a release. “I look forward to working with our athletes, coaches, staff and the Canadian rowing community to continue Canada’s tradition of excellence in rowing.”

The performance directors for the men’s and women’s programs left the program shortly after Canada’s rowers won just one medal at the Rio Games. Peter Cookson was later named director of sport and pathway development while Michelle Darvill, Dave Thompson and Terry Paul were named senior national team coaches.

A high-performance director is expected to be appointed in the New Year.

Dillon recently served as CEO at Refinery Leadership Partners, an international consulting firm which specializes in leadership development and management training. He previously served as a board member with British Rowing and participated in strategic reviews of Canada Snowboard, Biathlon Canada and Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton.

“Terry comes to RCA with a passion for the development and advancement of rowing in Canada as both a former athlete and sport leader,” said Rowing Canada president Mike Walker. “His proven experience in management, education and sport will support the achievement of our strategic goals and benefit both RCA and Canadian rowing moving forward.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Terry to Rowing Canada and look forward to working with him.”

Dillon won a bronze medal in the coxed four at the 1989 world rowing championships. He will succeed Donna Atkinson, who will retire after the upcoming Rowing Canada national conference.