Leadership Changes at Sport England
Today marks Tim Hollingsworth's, last day as Chief Executive of Sport England, a role he’s had since November 2018.
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During his time as Chief Executive, Tim led the launch and delivery of Sport England’s 10-year strategy, Uniting the Movement. This landmark plan focuses on tackling inequalities in access to sport and physical activity. It marked a shift in approach—moving beyond participation numbers to transforming the whole system that supports activity.
Under Tim’s leadership, the organisation invested in partnerships and local delivery models, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, inclusion, and long-term change.
Hayley Lever, chief executive of Greater Manchester Moving:
"Tim’s leadership of Sport England and the Uniting the Movement strategy has been huge, creating the conditions for active lives for all in Greater Manchester communities.
"His patient, consistent focus on tackling inequalities and removing the barriers has been vital to our work.
"Tim has found and cultivated leadership everywhere, ensuring that right across England, there are people, partners and networks working together on the things that matter most.
"Everyone has a role to play in tackling inequalities and inactivity, and Tim has understood the power of enabling diverse sectors in a place to play their part, supporting us to work with health, sport, community, youth, transport, education and more – unlocking community and strategic contributions everywhere.
"As our Mayor, Andy Burnham, said to Tim at the GM Moving Conference this year: 'You have been a brilliant supporter of ours here in Greater Manchester and backed us to make change happen.. this is your movement and our movement. Your leadership has been phenomenal – you’ve been such a friend to Greater Manchester. You’ve been on this journey with us.'
"Tim has provided courageous, visionary leadership through an exciting but equally challenging period in the journey of this work. On behalf of Greater Manchester Moving colleagues across the city region, I would like to thank Tim for his leadership and commitment to our place and people and wish him well."
Simon Hayes , current CEO at HM Land Registry, will succeed Tim in September 2025. Simon will bring extensive public-sector leadership experience and digital transformation expertise. Until then, Executive Director Phil Smith will serve as interim CEO.
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