Andy Mitchell CBE is the new Chair of sports charity London Youth Rowing (LYR).

Mitchell, who is Chief Executive Officer at Tideway, will lead the charity’s Board of Trustees, having been elected into the role at LYR’s recent Annual General Meeting (AGM).

In his role at Tideway, Mitchell has witnessed the work of LYR closely over recent years, with the company building London’s super sewer having supported the charity in a long-term partnership since work on the infrastructure project started, including funding the Active Row programme for four years. During that time the Tideway team, including Mitchell himself, have supported LYR through volunteering and fundraising at many events.

As well as being Tideway CEO, Mitchell was Co-Chair of the Construction Leadership Council from 2018 to 2022 and has been honoured with a CBE for Services to Civil Engineering.

Andy Mitchell said: “I am delighted and honoured to join the LYR Board and become LYR’s Chair. Tideway has supported LYR ever since the project began and as well as seeing the wonderful impact that LYR has had on young people in that time, I have also seen a strong cultural fit between the two organisations, sharing a desire to be bold and try new things. I have long admired LYR’s approach as they extend their positive impact on young people across the UK and I look forward to working with my fellow Trustees, the LYR team and our stakeholders to continue that vital work.”

LYR, the charity committed to providing opportunities to young people from across the UK and many from inner city areas through rowing, worked closely with Tideway on a research study in 2022 of the charity’s primary programme, Active Row London. The report found that Active Row has a significant positive impact on young people taking part, including improvements in all areas of mental wellbeing, improved levels of physical activity and greater resilience.

Mitchell will be taking up the role previously held by Iain Edmondson, who stepped down from the LYR board after completing his nine-year term as a Trustee, the last two as Chair.

Matt Rostron, CEO at LYR, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Andy to the LYR board, and we know that his shared passion for everything we do will shine through during his tenure as Chair. Andy knows the charity well, has supported us through his role at Tideway, so it was the natural fit for him to come in and Chair the Board of Trustees as we continue to grow our work to reach more young people across the country.

“I also want to take this moment to thank Iain for his nine years as a trustee at LYR, working tirelessly to support substantial growth during his time. He leaves LYR in a strong position for Andy to come in and take the helm.”