Nick Pontefract Joins Sport England

Sport England has appointed Nick Pontefract as its new chief operating officer.

Pontefract, who is the executive director of the Commonwealth Games Delivery Unit at the British government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), will replace Rona Chester in March.

Pontefract has been credited with securing the Government funding required for Birmingham’s successful bid for the 2022 Commonwealth Games through his work with the DCMS.

Whilst at DCMS, Pontefract also developed and delivered the Sporting Future strategy which increased the number of people engaging in sport.

“Sport England is a fantastic organisation, with a really important job to do,” said Pontefract. 

“Getting more people from all backgrounds involved in sport is a big challenge but if we get it right the impact could be enormous.

“Being part of the development of Sporting Future and Towards an Active Nation has given me a passion for the positive impact that sport can bring, and so the opportunity to be involved in delivering that strategy from within Sport England is incredibly exciting. 

“I can’t wait to get started, and to work with the brilliant people in Sport England and across the sport and physical activity sector to make a real difference to people’s lives.”

Jennie Price, chief executive, Sport England added: “”I am absolutely delighted that Nick will be joining us as our new chief operating officer.

“He came through a highly competitive process with a strong field of well over 100 applicants, and brings a huge amount of relevant experience and enthusiasm, coupled with a genuine passion for tackling inactivity.”

Image: ©Sport England