Nick Pink steps down as CEO of England Hockey and COO of GB Hockey

After five and a half years in the role, Nick Pink has decided to step down as Chief Executive of England Hockey and Chief Operating Officer of GB Hockey.

Throughout his time as CEO and COO, Pink has seen a number of changes across the sport including the introduction of the new strategy, success on the international stage and free-to-air hockey.

Pink started at the NGB in November 2019 and the Covid 19 pandemic dominated the start of his time at England Hockey and oversaw the return to play scenarios and elite training programmes, and a financial recovery for the sport at community and national levels.

There has been much change at the domestic level with the new introduction in 2021 of transformative governance changes to the sport that saw the introduction of 8 new Areas, and renewed regulations to support the sport to be simpler and more enjoyable.

The new Talent Strategy enters its fourth year with hockey clubs being empowered and supported to lead the development of young players.

There have also been a number of moments of international success under Pink’s tenure including a women’s bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in 2022, the men achieving a silver medal at the EuroHockey Championships in 2023 and coming second and third in the last two FIH Hockey Pro Leagues.

Pink also oversaw the launch of Channel 4 as England Hockey’s official broadcast partner which ensures that international hockey is free to view across the country.

In 2024, England Hockey was also awarded the hosting rights for the EuroHockey Championships in 2027 which will help to inspire the next generation of player across the country. 

Pink will step down in the next couple of months and plans to take a break to spend time with his family and recharge after nine years in sport CEO roles.

“It has been a huge honour and privilege to be CEO of England Hockey and COO of GB Hockey, and I am grateful to both England and GB boards for giving me this opportunity,” Pink said. “The sport of hockey means a great deal to me, and it has been a core part of my whole life and will continue to be in the future.

“We have achieved so much in the last five and half years and I would like to personally thank the whole team at England and GB Hockey for their hard work and dedication to this great sport of ours, and all the volunteers, the coaches, umpires and officials, committee members, hockey clubs and many more who make hockey happen. I would also like to thank all our partners and especially UK Sport, Sport England, the National Lottery and the BOA.”

Kath Russ, Chair of England Hockey added: “On behalf of everyone at England Hockey, I would like to extend our deepest thanks to Nick for his highly dedicated service and leadership over the past five and a half years. Nick has achieved many successes in his time at Hockey which started with him having to navigate the organisation and the sport through the Covid Pandemic, developing a new five-year strategy, securing the opportunity to host the European Championships in 2027, and a first-ever Channel 4 deal.  In my short time as Chair, I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Nick and wish him all the very best for the future. England Hockey’s plan for a successor will be announced shortly.”