St Catharine’s alumnus Dr Tim Senior (1993, Economics) was appointed Non-Executive Chair of the Boat Race Company Limited (BRCL) Board of Directors in April 2021. This means that the College continues to enjoy a connection with the BRCL leadership after David Searle (1974, Modern & Medieval Languages) confirmed he was stepping down as Executive Director.
Speaking about his appointment, Tim commented:
“I am delighted to join the BRCL Board and to become part of such a unique and historic event. I am humbled by the passion and commitment of both our student rowers and the leaders who have gone before me such as David Searle. Like many sports events, the Boat Race has faced challenges recently, but the team achieved an amazing event in difficult circumstances in 2021 and this is an exciting opportunity to help shape a successful and enduring future for this iconic event. I am looking forward to working with the team to deliver one of the highest profile rowing events in the world while creating a better shared future, inspiring others through the transformative potential of sport.”
Tim is a Managing Director and Head of the Energy, Mobility and Resources team within the Specialised and Asset Finance Division at Macquarie Bank in London and has held senior commercial and finance positions in business, finance, and energy in the public and private sectors. In addition to his MPhil from St Catharine’s, he holds a DPhil in Economics from Oriel College, Oxford University; and an MBA from Saïd Business School, Oxford University.
“Rowing is a sport that I have loved for over 35 years, and I’ve been fortunate to make good friends and happy memories along the way. I first learnt to row during my undergraduate studies at the University of Nottingham, before representing Catz in the M1 8+ in the Lent and May Bumps in 1994. I’ve since rowed with the London Rowing Club and the Oriel College Rowing Club, and continue to row for the Upper Thames Rowing Club.”
Tim Senior (at 4) representing the Upper Thames Boat Club at the Henley Royal Regatta 2021
“We are very pleased to enter into this substantial partnership with Gemini for the next three years and drive forward our ambition to increase the reach and engagement of The Boat Race globally. The confirmation of this contract is testament to Gemini’s vision and connection to rowing that will be seen on a global stage and I look forward to working with them as we bring this new partnership to life.’’
BRCL was also very grateful for Gemini’s support of this year’s race. A significant outcome from the partnership already has been the Gemini Boat Race Bursary Scheme, which supports projects that help young people with limited access to rowing to participate in the sport. The Gemini Boat Race Bursary Scheme will provide rowing instruction, mentorship, facilities, and education to students by removing the financial barriers that often prevent them from taking part.
“The Gemini Boat Race Bursary Scheme aims to engage a new generation of potential rowers across a broader range of socio-economic backgrounds and build a bridge between sport and underserved communities. The Oxford and Cambridge Rowing Foundation and BRCL have a proud track record of supporting clubs. I am genuinely excited about the impact we can achieve with Gemini through a more structured and ambitious programme of scholarships and bursaries that can bring even more talented people into our sport.”
Tim was also pleased to announce back in October that the BBC will continue to broadcast The Boat Race in a new four-year partnership that will run between 2022– 25. While over 250,000 spectators typically attend in person, racing is watched on live on the BBC by millions more in the UK and globally each year.
“BBC Sport has been an excellent partner over the years, and we look forward to them continuing to provide fantastic coverage, bringing The Boat Race to millions of viewers in the UK and abroad. 2022 is an important year for us with The Boat Race returning to London after two years of disruption due to the pandemic, and we are excited to re-confirm our partnership with the BBC for the next four years.”
BBC Television first covered the Men’s Race in 1938, the BBC having covered it on radio since 1927. The Women’s Race has received television coverage and has grown in popularity since 2015, a year that saw both Races held together on The Championship Course in London for the first time.
“The BBC’s excellent coverage is generally acknowledged to be the best rowing coverage in the world. With innovations like stern cameras and heart rate monitor displays, I look forward to working together to keep the event at the forefront of televised events in rowing.”
Looking ahead to racing in 2022
Sunday 3 April 2022 will see the 76th Women’s and the 167th Men’s Boat Race return to the iconic Championship Course that stretches over 4.25 miles of tidal Thames in West London from Putney to Mortlake. The Women’s Boat Race will start at 14.23 and the Men’s Boat Race will begin at 15.23.
“Spectators can expect to see even greater activity and improved amenities on the bank in 2022, including the fan parks at Bishop’s Park in Fulham and in Hammersmith. We will be building anticipation through greater social media presence and engagement in the months ahead so I’d encourage everyone at Catz to follow us on social media.
“We can also expect races of amazing quality this year, with crews who combine gold standard Olympians with the raw talent of students who have only recently learnt to row. If any St Catharine’s rowers are selected, I wish them the very best of luck and hope they will enjoy an extraordinary experience that makes all the early starts worthwhile.”
