The UK Sport Board is about to get a shot of adrenaline with five key appointments, all set to take their places from 1 August 2026. This injection of fresh talent will bring the total number of board members to nine, and each one has a wealth of experience that's set to give British sport a massive boost. Michelle Dite, Operations Director at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, is trading in her racket for a boardroom seat, bringing 25 years of event-delivery expertise to the table. She's been a key player on the UK Sport Major Events Panel and the UEFA EURO 2028 Oversight Group – talk about a match-winning CV!
Charlotte Samuelson is another giant signing, with her impressive rugby credentials set to bring some much-needed flair to the boardroom. As Chief Operating Officer of PREM Rugby, she's already shown what she's made of, and her leadership roles on the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 and Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 will only add to her star power.
John Steele is a legend in high-performance sport, with an incredible career spanning 14 Olympic and Paralympic Games. He's been CEO of UK Sport, the Rugby Football Union, and the Youth Sport Trust – talk about building momentum! As he takes on his new role as Chairman of Commonwealth Games England, it's clear that this industry veteran is still very much in the game.
Dame Sarah Storey is one of Britain's most celebrated Paralympians, with a glittering career that's seen her take home an impressive haul of medals. But she's not just a champion on the track – she's also an advocate for active transport and a board member at the Department for Transport, making her an expert in getting people moving.
The reappointment of Rachel Baillache is a welcome boost to continuity on the Board. As UK Sport navigates the complex landscape of elite sport funding and strategy, it's clear that she'll be a vital voice – bringing stability and expertise to the table.