LA28 CEO Kathy Carter to step down from Olympics organising committee

The LA28 organising committee for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games is undergoing a change in leadership as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Kathy Carter, announces her departure.

Carter, who initially joined LA28 as the Chief Revenue Officer in October 2018 before assuming the role of CEO in September 2021, revealed her decision with approximately four and a half years remaining until the commencement of the Games.

“As anticipated, because LA28 is moving from a commercial and planning phase to an operational and delivery phase, now is the right time for me to pass the torch,” Carter explained in a statement.

“As of 2024, I will transition from my role as CEO and am honoured to continue with LA28 as senior advisor.”

Carter played a pivotal role in securing significant sponsorship deals for the games, and her departure marks a shift in focus from the commercial and planning aspects to the operational and delivery phase for LA28.

Casey Wasserman, Chair of LA28, acknowledged Carter’s impact, expressing she has been a “driving force behind the first phase of our strategic plan.”

“As that phase nears completion, we have undoubtedly built a strong foundation for the next fours, and now is the time to transition to the next phase,” Wasserman continued.

Gene Sykes was the first CEO of LA28, and he currently serves as the Chair of the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee. The organising committee has not yet provided details on the process for appointing a new CEO.

In mid-October, the International Olympic Committee approved the inclusion of five additional sports in the LA28 program. Twenty20 (T20) cricket, flag football, six-a-side lacrosse, squash and baseball/softball have all received approval and will feature in the games.

Notably, squash and flag football will make their Olympic debut, while cricket, baseball/softball and lacrosse are set to return after varying periods of absence.