John will succeed Ian Metcalfe as Chair in the autumn of 2022, when Metcalfe’s 8-year term of office concludes after the completion of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Whilst continuing in his University duties, Steele’s role will entail leading the Commonwealth Games England Board into the 2026 Commonwealth cycle.
Commonwealth Games England lead and manage the participation of the English team – Team England – at the Commonwealth Games, working closely with each sport's National Governing Body, Sport England and the Games’ Organising Committee.
In Steele’s exceptional career in sport, he has been a professional athlete and European Cup-winning rugby coach with Northampton Saints. He has also been a CEO in the private, public and not for profit sectors within sport, and his multi-sport experience has extended to leadership roles in ten summer and winter Olympic and Paralympic games.
He has also served as a non-executive director on numerous sports boards and recently finished his second term as Chair of the English Institute of Sport.
Speaking following his appointment, Steele said:
“These are exciting times for Commonwealth sport. Next year’s home Games in Birmingham are an opportunity to not only provide an amazing experience for everyone involved but also play an important part in the recovery of the nation, after what will have been a very challenging couple of years.
“The integrated nature of the Games and its proud culture provides Commonwealth Games England with the chance to create very meaningful social impact in the future. It is very exciting to be able to contribute to the next chapter.”
Diane Modahl MBE will also join Commonwealth Games England Board as a Non-Executive Director from 1st May 2021 and will become Chair of the Board’s Sport Committee during the second half of 2021.
Chair of Commonwealth Games England, Ian Metcalfe, welcomed the appointments:
“I am delighted to welcome John and Diane to our Board and thrilled that CGE has been able to attract two such outstanding candidates as NEDs and future Board and Committee Chairs. John and Diane will make a significant contribution in the run up to the Games and I’m looking forward to working with them both.”
Steele will join the board as Non-Executive Director on the 1st May 2021 and will take over as Chair in the Autumn of 2022.