Simon Hayes has been appointed Sport England’s new chief executive.
Simon is currently chief executive of HM Land Registry and chief land registrar, a role he has held since 2019. He replaces Tim Hollingsworth, who announced in February that he would be leaving Sport England after seven years as CEO.
Simon brings a wealth of senior experience in organisational leadership to Sport England, having a strong track record in delivering impact and public sector modernisation.
As chief executive of HM Land Registry, he successfully led the organisation through the unprecedented challenge of Covid-19, before rebuilding capacity and capability after many years of under-investment.
He has accelerated HM Land Registry’s transformation into a much more modern, digital and customer-focused organisation, built around its groundbreaking Strategy 2022+, which is 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, Simon 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 & 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.
Simon is a passionate sports fan and an ardent supporter of Nottingham Forest. He still plays five-a-side football every week and has recently taken up padel, as well as making sure his three school-age children have similar opportunities to play sport and keep active.
"We’re delighted that Simon will be joining us as our new chief executive, following a highly competitive process.
"Simon’s passion for the power of sport, combined with a track record in driving impact and modernisation in complex public sector bodies, made him the stand-out candidate. We look forward to welcoming him in September.
"I would also like to put on record my deep thanks to Tim Hollingsworth for his superb service to Sport England over the past seven years, leading the sports sector magnificently through the pandemic and delivering our ambitious Uniting the Movement strategy."Chair, Sport England
Simon said: "I’m incredibly excited to lead Sport England and spread the message about the rewards of physical activity.
"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."
Minister for Sports Stephanie Peacock said: "Simon Hayes has a strong track record of delivering impact in the public sector and I welcome his appointment as Sport England's new chief executive.
"His wealth of experience will ensure that Sport England can continue its vital work under strong leadership, increasing physical activity across communities, supporting our NHS, and improving public health outcomes among under-represented groups."
Simon will join us in September, and our chair has asked Phil Smith – executive director of partnerships – to be the interim CEO to cover the short period until Simon joins following Tim’s departure on 31 July. He will be supported by the whole executive leadership team.