The Big Interview – Brian Barwick
As the Football Association enters a vital year both on and off the pitch, Brian Barwick, chief executive of the FA, talks to Sport Industry Group about the governing body’s relationship with the business community…
Profile
Brian Barwick was appointed chief executive of The FA in late 2004 and took up the role on January 31, 2005. Prior to The FA, Brian was ITV’s Controller of Sport for seven years.
Whilst at ITV, Brian headed television coverage of two FIFA World Cups in 1998 and 2002 plus the European Championships of 2000 and 2004. He led successful rights negotiations for these championships, UEFA Champions League, The Rugby World Cup, Formula One, The Boat Race, Super Bowl and Tour de France. Brian brought presenters Des Lynam and Gabby Logan to ITV and also launched Britain’s fastest growing digital channel, ITV2, in 1998.
Brian was born and educated in Liverpool, gaining a degree in Economics at Liverpool University. After a spell as a journalist, he joined the BBC’s sports department in 1979. During his 18-year career at the BBC he was editor of Match of the Day, Football Focus and Sportsnight. He oversaw major events including the FIFA World Cups of 1990 and 1994, the Barcelona and Atlanta Olympic Games, the Commonwealth Games plus the European and World Athletics Championships. He was responsible for BBC Television’s Sports Review Of The Year between 1991 and 1995.
As The FA’s chief executive, Brian is looking forward to bringing his lifelong love of football and his professional knowledge of the game to the post.
