Giles Smith appointed next SGSA Chief Executive

Giles Smith has been appointed the next Chief Executive of the SGSA, taking up the post from May.

Giles is currently the Deputy Director at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) leading the work to establish the new Independent Football Regulator. 

In this role he has worked closely with football stakeholders and government partners to develop the delivery plans and the legislative framework for the new regulator.

A Senior Civil Servant since 2012, Giles has led teams across various Government departments. Prior to his current role, Giles was a Deputy Director in the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Delivery Unit. He subsequently supported the delivery of the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and then became the Operations lead for the programme to deliver the Coronation of King Charles III.

He replaces Martyn Henderson OBE, who has taken on the role of Interim Chief Operating Officer of the Independent Football Regulator.

“I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to join the SGSA and to carry on the fantastic work of Martyn and the team. The organisation fulfils a vitally important role, and the impact it has cannot be underestimated. I am very much looking forward to playing my part in helping to ensure the SGSA continues to be the internationally respected organisation that it is.”

Giles Smith

Giles was appointed following a Civil Service recruitment exercise, led by Chair of the SGSA, Derek Wilson.

“I am very pleased to have appointed Giles as the next Chief Executive.  This is an exciting time for the SGSA and I have no doubt that Giles will be an outstanding leader for the organisation.  He brings a wealth of experience from within the sports sector and wider industries which will be invaluable as we move forward.”

Derek Wilson, SGSA Chair