Crowther has a strong background in both sport and commerce having been a consultant to several national governing bodies, commercial companies and Government in his executive role at Sports Ambition Ltd. 

He is also currently stakeholder and local organising committee chairman of the FINA World Diving Series at Ponds Forge in Sheffield.
 

A former chief executive and main Board director of the Lawn Tennis Association, Crowther will also be able to draw on his voluntary experience in work with Sports Leaders, England and Wales Cricket Board, North Yorkshire Sport Board and the Central Council for Physical Recreation.

Crowther is due to take up his new role on October 11 after the annual meeting of the ASA, formerly the Amateur Swimming Association.

He said: “I am very much looking forward to taking up my new position with the ASA
and making a strong impact on the sport.

"My many years of experience in business and with other sporting organisations will help the ASA continue to develop across a variety of areas.”

The ASA’s chief executive David Sparkes welcomed Crowther to the organisation and anticipates developing a strong partnership.

He said: “John has excellent leadership and management skills which coupled with his thorough knowledge of the work of the ASA make him the perfect person to take up this demanding role. 
 

“On behalf of the board I would like to add my thanks and appreciation to outgoing chair Mel Goldberg.

"Over the last four years he has helped raise awareness of swimming as one of the best activities for improving health, supported us during the Beijing Olympics and worked with his associates in Government to maximise the opportunities for aquatic funding.”