Neil Armitage has been chosen ahead of several dozen applicants to lead Archery GB through its latest strategic plan as chief executive.

Armitage was appointed as interim CEO last December, taking over the position vacated by David Sherratt, and has subsequently landed the role on a permanent basis, holding off competition from 41 other applicants.

His immediate concern is the implementation the national governing body’s (NGB) 2016-2020 strategy, which includes priorities such as achieving UK Sport's Olympic and Paralympic medal targets for Rio and Tokyo, bringing a further 10,000 participants into the sport and the development of more facilities.

Mark Davies, chair of Archery GB, said Armitage had done “an excellent job of leading the organisation through a period of transformation over the past months”.

“Following a competitive, transparent and rigorous recruitment process, assessing 41 applications from Vancouver to New Zealand and Colombia to Sweden, I am delighted that Neil has agreed to join us on a full-time basis,” added Davies.

Armitage said he was in the process of moving to the Midlands to be closer to the NGB’s Shropshire base, and that he was “confident” on delivering its strategic ambitions.

“I’m looking forward to continuing the good work I’ve already started, with a focus on engaging with our membership, attracting new people to our sport and working with, and recognising our many dedicated and talented volunteers,” he added.