Working Group on the Operational Independence of National Anti-Doping Organizations

A WADA Working Group

The WADA Working Group on the Operational Independence of National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs) has been created by WADA Management at the request of the WADA Executive Committee (ExCo). The creation of the Working Group follows recommendation #6.2 from the August 2024 Cottier Report that the ExCo establish a group to explore further the issue of NADO operational independence, including the structure of the various NADOs and the impact of good governance. 

Working Group Terms of Reference.

WADA Contact: Tom May, Director, Engagement & Development

Below is the list of Working Group members:

Venetia Bennett
Independent Chair
Independent member of the WADA ExCo

Olivier Banuls
Head of Testing, International Testing Agency
Expert from the WADA Strategic Testing Expert Advisory Group

Martin Holmlund Lauesen
Director, International Relations and Medical, Data Protection Officer, Anti-Doping Norway
Expert from the WADA NADO Expert Advisory Group 

Hilary Meechai Inwood
Deputy Governor for the Administration of Sports Authority of Thailand
Expert from the Public Authorities

Elisabeth Vathje (Maier)
Athlete Representative 
Member of the WADA Athlete Council

Michael Vesper
Advisor on Anti-Doping, International Olympic Committee
Expert from the Sport Movement