Olivia Murphy and Rich Ellis have been promoted to the roles of Deputy Director of Sport (Performance Director) and Deputy Director of Sport (Head of Sport Commercial Partnerships and Facilities) respectively.
Both Liv and Rich bring a wealth of experience to their new positions, having worked in the sport sector for a combined 34 years.
Throughout a sterling sporting career, Loughborough alumna Liv played international netball for England, recording 95 caps across 15 years, with six years spent as captain.
She has also coached England teams as Assistant or Head Coach at all age groups from U17 through to senior level and was appointed Regional Manager at England Netball as well as Performance Pathway Manager.
Liv has since held further senior positions, most recently as Head of Performance Support and then Interim Head of Performance at Loughborough Sport.
Rich – an alumnus of the University – has worked across managerial and leadership roles at the University and has been pivotal in developing and growing Loughborough Sport’s strong commercial offering. This includes working relationships with established brands; PLAE, Eleiko, BLK BOX, Catapult and the NFL Academy.
He was also project lead for the team that reframed Loughborough’s gym ecosystem, including the design and development of the Powerbase facilities – one of the top 10 largest strength and & conditioning facilities in the world.
He will now move up from his current role as Interim Head of Commercial Partnerships and Sports Facilities.
Both will move into their new roles with immediate effect.
Richard Wheater, Director of Sport, Loughborough University, said: “After acting up onto the Senior Leadership Team for the last eight months I’m delighted to be able to announce that Olivia Murphy and Rich Ellis have both been appointed as Deputy Directors of Sport.
“Both are Loughborough through and through and represent our values, culture, and behaviours. I have had the privilege to work with them both for many years and I’m super proud to be continuing alongside them in the next step of their careers.
“Loughborough University is a great place to work and it’s essential that we continue to develop the leaders of the future. Both Rich and Liv are an example of the development that Loughborough achieves.
“I look forward to working with them and the rest of SLT to shape our next chapter as we begin to broaden out our wings within the University and beyond. I’d like to place on record my congratulations to them both.”
Liv Murphy said: “It is both an honour and a privilege to be offered the role of Deputy Director of Sport (Performance Director).
“Loughborough University is an incredibly successful sporting institution and I’m thrilled to be able to lead the performance team and help create its future.
“There is a huge opportunity here to broaden our connections nationally and internationally and create new lasting partnerships and relationships that have the potential to shape sport on a global level.
“On a personal level I have a special connection to Loughborough as a former student, athlete and coach and share in the pride of wearing the African Violet. I look forward to helping shape the journey of many more who have that honour.”
Rich Ellis said: ““I am incredibly proud to be taking on a place within the new Loughborough Sport senior leadership team, in the role of Deputy Director of Sport (Head of Sport Commercial Partnerships and Facilities).
“I am hugely passionate about Loughborough, having read for my degree here, and then worked through the facilities and management structure over the years – it’s a real testament to the development environment that exists within Loughborough Sport.
“The department has seen remarkable growth over the past five years, cementing our position in the sporting ecosystem. Under new leadership, and alignment with the wider University strategy, I am excited to build on the innovative, aspirational, and influential approach we have towards sport.”
For more information on Loughborough Sport visit: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/sport/