Mark Munro, current UK Athletics development director, will take over as interim CEO for six months; Coates was only appointed in March 2020, while Symington takes over as head of British Cycling's Olympic and Paralympic programme
Thursday 21 October 2021 22:16, UK
UK Athletics chief executive officer Joanna Coates and performance director Sara Symington have left their respective roles.
Coates, the former boss of England Netball, was only appointed in March 2020 but oversaw Great Britain's worst Olympic Games in athletics since 1996.
Symington, a former Team GB cyclist who competed at the 2000 and 2004 Olympics, was appointed even more recently, in August 2020, and returns to her former sport.
She takes over a newly-created role as head of the Olympic and Paralympic Programme for the Great Britain Cycling Team (GBCT).
Mark Munro, current UK Athletics development director, will take over as interim CEO for six months and will work with the board to start the recruitment process for both roles.
UK Athletics chair Ian Beattie said: "I'd like to thank Jo and Sara for their work during their time at UK Athletics and I wish them both all the best for the future."
On Symington's new job, GBCT performance director Stephen Park commented: "Sara is renowned for her ability to lead sports teams and deliver results, not to mention her knowledge of Olympic and Paralympic sport.
"So she is the perfect addition to the GBCT as we seek to continue our legacy of success with wider social impact at Paris 2024 and beyond."
