Sport England has confirmed that Simon Hayes will take over from Tim Hollingsworth as CEO.

Hollingsworth announced his departure in February following seven years in the role.

Currently chief executive of HM Land Registry, Hayes has been appointed for his senior experience in organisational leadership. He has a strong track-record in delivering impact and public sector modernisation, having rebuilt the HM Land Registry capacity and capability after many years of underinvestment into a more modern, digital and customer-focused organisation.

Previously, he held several positions across police, criminal justice and immigration policy, as well as being chief of staff for the UK Border Agency (UKBA); UK Visas and Immigration international director and director of visas and citizenship. He has also spent time in the US as UKBA’s first regional director for the Americas.

Joining Sport England in September, Hayes plays padel and five-a-side football. He says: “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.”

Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock said: "Simon Hayes has a strong track record of delivering impact in the public sector. 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.”

Chair of Sport England, Chris Boardman, said Hayes’ track record in driving impact and modernisation in complex public sector bodies made him a stand-out candidate.

He also paid tribute to Hollingsworth, who led the organisation through the pandemic and delivered the Uniting the Movement strategy.

Industry partners, UK Active and CIMSPA also welcomes Hayes.

Huw Edwards, CEO of UK Active, said: "We'd like to congratulate Simon and welcome him to his new role as CEO of Sport England.

“We'd also like to pass on our congratulations to Tim Hollingsworth for his time at Sport England and wish him all the best as he moves on.

“UK Active and its members look forward to working with Simon and no doubt he'll want to fully leverage the role of gyms, pools and leisure centres in driving positive outcomes in physical and mental wellbeing across the country.

“Our recent market report shows our members are the engine room of physical activity in this country and by working together we have the opportunity to deliver on our shared ambition for a more active, healthy and happy society."

Tara Dillon, CEO of CIMSPA, said: “Many congratulations to Simon Hayes on his appointment. We’re very much looking forward to working alongside him to continue the great work we've been doing with Sport England to support the delivery of the core workforce pillar of the Uniting the Movement strategy.

"All Sport England’s work is underpinned by the need for a confident, skilled, representative and supported workforce that is able to deliver positive experiences, especially for people and communities who face the greatest inequalities in accessing the huge benefits of sport and physical activity," she continued.

"As the sector’s dedicated professional body and the committed workforce system partner of Sport England, at CIMSPA we’re looking forward to having the opportunity to continue our strong relationship and further align work to professionalise and grow our talented and dedicated workforce.

"Through continued collaboration, shared insight and a focus on people and the impact that they deliver across communities, we can collectively drive forward and build on the great progress we have made where sport and physical activity professionals are changing lives for the better.

"Sport England recognises that our workforce, both paid and volunteers are central to tackling inequalities, providing safe, quality experiences and ultimately enabling everyone to lead active lives. Through Uniting the Movement, the commitment to ensuring that our workforce has the skills, knowledge and behaviours to meet people’s needs, through ongoing training, development and professional recognition, is clear. This is integral to increasing the attractiveness of our sector as a long-term career and ensuring that the workforce reflects the diversity and cultural needs of the communities it serves.

"I'd also like to thank Tim Hollingsworth for his commitment to supporting the professionalisation of the workforce and the essential role it has in delivering great, positive experiences for people.

"We look forward to working together with Simon to ensure that the sector has an empowered workforce to continue to deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for individuals, communities and society as a whole.”