Sue Campbell CBE, chair of UK Sport and the Youth Sport Trust, is to enter the House of Lords as a crossbench peer.

The appointment has been made in recognition of Campbell's contribution towards British sport in a number of high-profile and senior positions over several decades. Campbell became chair of the Youth Sport Trust in 2005 after 10 years as its chief executive, and has also held the position of chair at UK Sport since 2003. She was also previously chief executive of the National Coaching Foundation for 11 years.

John Steele, chief executive of UK Sport, said: "After a lifetime of service, passionate commitment and huge achievement in sport, there is noone more deserving or better qualified than her to play such a new and important role." Chief executive of the Youth Sport Trust, Steve Grainger, said: "Sue's passion for sport at all levels and her absolute determination to improve the lives of young people through sport has helped to create a step change in the standard and provision of PE and school sport across the country."

Fellow peer Lord Coe, chair of London 2012, added his support for Campbell's appointment, saying: "She will be a great supporter and champion of the inspirational power of sport."