UK Anti-Doping appoint former law enforcement officer as director of operations

Pat Myhill has been appointed as the new director of operations for UK Anti-Doping ©UKAD

UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) have announced the appointment of Pat Myhill as their new director of operations.

Myhill, who joined the organisation back in September 2013 as an investigator before he became head of intelligence and investigations the following January, takes over from Nicole Sapstead, who recently became the organisation’s chief executive.

He was involved in the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in London, where he was a member of the Olympic Security Directorate, a body who helped with the security planning for the event on behalf of the country’s Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA).

“I am looking forward to the new challenge of leading UKAD’s operational team as we endeavour to protect everyone’s right to clean sport,” Myhill said.

“It is important that we continue to lead the way in developing intelligence-led testing plans.

“In the fight to protect clean sport, we must use all the tools available to us to unearth those who go against the spirit of sport.

“Tools such as collaboration with law enforcement partners including the National Crime Agency, Police Forces and the Border Agency; the intelligence we receive from the Report Doping hotline; the continual development of our testing processes; and non-analytical prosecutions, all ensure that we will continue to protect clean sport and those who compete, and win, clean.”

Myhill will help UKAD in their mission to protect clean sport ©Getty Images

Myhill’s main background comes in law enforcement, where he has over 30 years’ experience after working within the Metropolitan Police, National Crime Squad and SOCA.

His appointment has been hailed by incoming chief executive Sapstead, who took up the position in February after a successful interim period following the departure of founding chief executive Andy Parkinson at the end of last year.

“We are absolutely delighted to appoint Pat as our new Director of Operations,” she said.

“Pat joined us in 2013, bringing with him a huge amount of experience and knowledge of law enforcement practices, which has been pivotal in the continued success of our intelligence-led testing programmes and non-analytical prosecutions.

“Pat’s appointment re-affirms our commitment to protecting clean athletes and clean sport through strategic and targeted testing, which is based on strong intelligence.

“A key part of that strategy is the continuation and development of our working relationships with law enforcement agencies across the UK and Pat will oversee those relationships.”