Swim England CEO Jane Nickerson announces she will retire at end of the year

Jane Nickerson has said she ‘will be forever grateful and proud to have served Swim England as chief executive officer’ after announcing her intention to retire.

Having worked for Swim England for more than 25 years, and since 2017 at the helm as chief executive officer, Jane will leave the role on 31 December.

She has been involved in aquatics for nearly 60 years – firstly as a recreational club member, then talented competitor and volunteer before joining the organisation as an employee in 1997.

Rising through the ranks, her roles included head of administration, director of operations, chief operating officer and interim chief executive.

An exemplar of the ability to progress within an organisation to the highest level, she was officially appointed to the role of CEO of Swim England six years ago.

Jane was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2021 – receiving the accolade for services to swimming during the Covid-19 pandemic as a key figure in the fight to reopen pools throughout the coronavirus outbreak.

The same year, Jane was also bestowed with the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science by Coventry University, her home city university, in recognition ‘of her significant national and local contribution to the sport of swimming’.

Throughout her career, Jane has been a strong advocate of ensuring people of all ages are able to swim and enjoy the water safely and she has been central to the organisation’s role in campaigning for the survival of swimming pools – most recently as a result of the energy crisis.

For many years, she has also been a high profile spokesperson in the media and in front of government making the case for the sector, its facilities and swimming’s role in the health of the nation.

Richard Hookway, Swim England chair, said: “Jane’s retirement at the end of the year will mark the end of a remarkable career with Swim England.

“Her commitment to the sport is extraordinary, and her drive and passion is second to none.

“Swim England has benefited greatly from her knowledge and expertise and under her leadership we are positioned strongly for continued success.

“We thank Jane wholeheartedly for her leadership and contribution to the organisation and our sports.”

Forever grateful and proud

Jane said: “I will be forever grateful and proud to have been able to have served Swim England as chief executive officer.

“It has been a wonderful journey working alongside brilliant colleagues, team members, partners, volunteers, athletes, clubs – the list is endless.

“With the launch of our new 10-year strategy on the horizon, I believe now is the right time for the Board to begin their search for my successor ahead of my planned retirement at the end of December.

“We have a busy and critical year ahead and so I remain fully focused on key priorities whilst supporting the organisation during a time of transition.

“Swimming, and all of our aquatics sports, have played a huge part of my life, both personally and professionally.

“I will always support the organisation and our great sports with immense pride.”