FA's Julie Harrington appointed British Cycling's new CEO

Julie Harrington, currently group operations director at the Football Association, has been appointed the new CEO of British Cycling.

She replaces Ian Drake, who left cycling's national governing body in January, three months earlier than expected.

> British Cycling CEO Ian Drake leaves post "with immediate effect" as investigations into organisation continue

She has been with the FA since 2011 where she is responsible, among other things, for running Wembley Stadium in northwest London and the St George's Park National Football Centre in Staffordshire.

Harrington's is the second senior appointment at British Cycling in as many months, with Jonathan Browning taking over as chair from Bob Howden, who remains president, early last month.

The new CEO joins at a turbulent time for the organisation, with next month due to see the publication of what is expected to be a scathing report from the independent review ordered by UK Sport, following allegations of bullying and discrimination and UK Anti-doping looking into the mystery medical package delivered to Team Sky at the 2011 Criterium du Dauphine.

“I am thrilled to be asked to lead British Cycling as it embarks on a new chapter in its history," Harrington said.

"This is the right time to be joining one of this country’s leading governing bodies. British Cycling already has a fantastic track record of using elite success to inspire millions of people to get active by getting on their bikes and is now setting its sights on new ambitions and a new way of working.”

Browning said: “In appointing Julie, I am delighted that we have found someone with exactly the right mix of skills to lead British Cycling as we embark on a period of significant change.  

“Julie has substantial experience at the top level of sport and I am confident that she will excel in what is a landmark and exciting appointment for British Cycling. Her background in sport and commercial partnerships will prove vital in delivering our joint vision with HSBC UK to make cycling the number one sport and activity of choice in Britain.

"I am confident she will help us achieve our goal of becoming a world class governing body.”

Before joining the FA, she spent nine years as operations director of the Northern Racing Group, and she remains a non-executive director of the British Horseracing Authority.

Previously, she worked in marketing for a variety of blue-chip names in the hospitality sector.