The Glasgow 2026 Organising Company has today announced the appointment of the Board of Directors who will join Chair George Black CBE in leading the delivery of the 23rd Commonwealth Games.
Glasgow 2026 will take place from Thursday 23 July to Sunday 2 August 2026 and feature a 10-sport programme concentrated across four venues within an eight-mile corridor of the city. The Games are being delivered by the Glasgow 2026 Organising Company in partnership with the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS).
The Glasgow 2026 Board of Directors will oversee the strategic planning and execution of the Games, with a focus on delivering an event that embodies the values of the Commonwealth. Following his appointment as Chair of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games in October 2024, Black, the former Chief Executive of Glasgow City Council, has established an experienced Board, with members from a diverse range of backgrounds and senior experiences in sport, business, civil service and accessiblility.
Ian Reid CBE, Chair of Commonwealth Games Scotland, has been appointed as Vice-Chair. Reid, who has spearheaded the Glasgow 2026 concept, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience of senior roles in previous Commonwealth Games, having served as Chief Financial Officer of Glasgow 2014 and more recently as Chief Executive of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee.
CGF Chief Executive, Katie Sadleir CNZM, CGF Audit and Risk Committee Chair and Board Observer Mary Hardy, and CGS Chief Executive Jon Doig OBE have also been appointed, bringing continuity of strategic oversight for both organisations.
The new Board also features an impressive roster of Non-Executive Directors, each bringing unique insights and experience to ensure the success of the Games:
- Kieron Achara MBE – former professional basketball player
- David Grady – former Chief Financial Officer, Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games
- Jamie Grant – Managing Director of Corporate Banking, Barclays
- Manish Joshi – Non-Executive Director, Scottish Government
- Dr Julie McElroy – Assistive Technology expert
- Theresa Shearer – Chief Executive, Enable
- Fiona Taylor QPM – Former Deputy Chief Constable, Police Scotland
Black said; “This Board is an outstanding group of individuals who bring unparalleled expertise and a diverse mix of experiences to the Organising Company.
“Glasgow 2026 will be a Games like no other; to deliver a world-class multi-sport Games in a relatively short period of time, wholly based on private-funding, is a unique challenge but a challenge that we as a Board, and as an Organising Company, are ready for. Glasgow has the experience, the facilities and the know-how to deliver a brilliant Games, and I have every faith that, alongside our fantastic Executive Team, we will collectively move the Games forward with passion and drive, placing our athletes, fans and the people of Glasgow and Scotland at the heart of our decision-making.”
Sadleir said, “I am delighted to take my place on the Glasgow 2026 Board alongside CGF colleague Mary Hardy, as well as experienced and respected pillars of the Glasgow and Scottish communities.
“Our shared focus is to ensure the delivery of the Games to the highest quality in a financially sustainable way, minimising risk and sharply focusing on what matters most for athletes, sports and local communities.”
Achara, who has represented both Team GB and Team Scotland is looking forward to representing athletes on the Glasgow 2026 Board, said, “I am thrilled to be taking up the role of Non-Executive Director on the Glasgow 2026 Organising Company. This event presents a great opportunity for the people of Glasgow and is a significant platform for athletes.
“The Commonwealth Games is a truly unique and special event – not only does it showcase the very best in sporting skill and drama but also offers developing athletes a chance to compete on the world-stage. Glasgow 2026 is a chance for organisers of major events to think differently and reset what has gone before. I am really looking forward to using my experiences and knowledge to help shape a truly memorable event for athletes, support staff and fans.”
To find out more about Glasgow 2026 visit www.glasgow2026.com
Frederick Marfo is a sportswriter and social worker well known for his advocacy for equal chances and rights for all athletes, especially those with disabilities.
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