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New chief executive takes up post

Simon Hayes joins Sport England from his previous role as chief executive of HM Land Registry.

8th September 2025

Simon Hayes began work today after we announced his appointment in June.

Coming from his previous role as chief executive of HM Land Registry and chief land registrar, he takes over from Tim Hollingsworth, who left Sport England in July.

Our executive director of partnerships, Phil Smith, held the role in an interim capacity, with Simon now taking the job of leading Sport England as we enter the second half of our 10-year Uniting the Movement strategy.

"I’m incredibly excited to lead Sport England and spread the message about the rewards of physical activity,” said Simon, upon his appointment in June.

"I believe passionately that the benefits of sports and activity should be accessible to everyone regardless of their postcode, background or bank balance. 

"Sport England’s mission has never been more relevant to our national priorities as we strive to create a healthier and happier nation."

Headshot of Simon Hayes - Sport England chief executive

Simon, an avid Nottingham Forest supporter who still plays five-a-side football on a weekly basis, successfully led HM Land Registry through the unprecedented challenge of the Covid-19 pandemic and brings with him a wealth of senior experience in organisational leadership.

He will be supported by the executive leadership team, Board and all Sport England colleagues as he settles into his new role.
 

More about our new chief executive

Simon has a strong track record in delivering impact and public sector modernisation.

Following the pandemic, he rebuilt capacity and capability after many years of under-investment in HM Land Registry. 

He accelerated HM Land Registry’s transformation into a much more modern, digital and customer-focused organisation, built around its groundbreaking Strategy 2022+, which has helping to drive the development of a world-leading property market in England and Wales.

Simon joined the Home Office in 1997 and held several positions across police, criminal justice and immigration policy, before becoming chief of staff for the UK Border Agency (UKBA) in 2005.

In 2008, he became UKBA’s first regional director for the Americas, based in Washington DC.

Simon returned to the UK in 2012 and became UK Visas and Immigration’s international director and later director of visas and citizenship.

His responsibilities included oversight of all visitor, tourist, work, study and citizenship routes, as well as the immigration sponsorship system.

He also set up the EU Settlement Scheme for European citizens residing in the UK, which was successfully launched in 2019.

Alongside his five-a-side commitment, he has recently taken up padel and makes sure his three school-age children have similar opportunities to play sport and keep active.

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