Former law enforcement officer Trevor Pearce has been appointed to replace the outgoing David Kenworthy ©UKAD

Former law enforcement officer Trevor Pearce has been appointed to replace the outgoing David Kenworthy as chair of UK Anti-Doping.

The appointment was confirmed today by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and Pearce is due to officially take up the position on Thursday (February 23).

Kenworthy, chair of UKAD since 2009, will step down tomorrow.

Pearce, who will earn an annual salary of £33,000 ($41,000/€39,000), spent 40 years working in law enforcement, mainly as director general of both the National Crime Squad and the Serious Organised Crime Agency. 

He concluded his career in 2015 before taking up a position as Commissioner of the Gambling Commission.

He is also a UKAD Board member.

"I am delighted to have been appointed to succeed David Kenworthy as chair of UK Anti-Doping," Pearce said. 

"David has done so much to establish the organisation, making it one of the world’s leading anti-doping agencies. 

"I am now looking forward to working with the UKAD Board, chief executive and staff to ensure we build on these foundations, to ensure that everyone’s right to clean sport is protected in the UK and abroad."

UK Anti-Doping chief executive Nicole Sapstead welcomed the arrival of Trevor Pearce as the new chairman ©Getty Images
UK Anti-Doping chief executive Nicole Sapstead welcomed the arrival of Trevor Pearce as the new chairman ©Getty Images

Pearce takes over from Kenworthy at a key juncture for UKAD.

They are currently investigating British Cycling over a medication package delivered to Sir Bradley Wiggins on the last day of the 2011 Criterium du Dauphine. 

Coach Simon Cope is at the centre of the probe after travelling from Geneva to La Toussuire to deliver the item and has been asked to attend a Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee hearing on March 1.

He was the publicly-funded national women’s team road manager at the time but couriered the package to the event, which Sir Bradley won.

UKAD are also currently helping with Russia's anti-doping efforts.

"As a pre-existing member of the UKAD Board, Trevor understands the landscape of anti-doping and the various challenges we face," UKAD chief executive Nicole Sapstead said.

"I’m delighted that we will now benefit further from Trevor’s insight and expertise.

"Trevor’s arrival is tempered by sadness at David’s departure. 

"We owe David a great debt of gratitude for his outstanding leadership and his championing of anti-doping over the past seven years. 

"In both our outgoing and incoming chairs, we couldn’t have wished for better appointments."