Leaders Group – October

Hitting Regeneration and Investment for Six – Sports Centric Growth

Tuesday 6th October 2026 – 16:00 to 20:00

Pewterers Hall, Oat Ln, Barbican, London EC2V 7DE

Guest Speakers

Karen Hirst

Karen Hirst

Project Director

Old Trafford Mayoral Development Corporation

Accomplished Manchester regeneration leader Karen Hirst has been named as Project Director to work with Chair Designate Lord Sebastian Coe, to drive forward plans for the Old Trafford Regeneration area.

Duncan Stone

Duncan Stone

Author

Different Class: The Untold Story of English Cricket

Previously a historian with an interest in the ‘cultural war’ waged over the legitimate form, function and meaning of sport. I have spent the last few years campaigning (unsuccessfully) for a more inclusive form of cricket in the United Kingdom. Now, however, I am able to make a material difference to people’s lives as a Housing Standards Officer with Woking Borough Council.

Louise Stewart

CEO

Chester Racecourse

Louise is an experienced CEO in the culture, tourism, events and leisure sector.  Louise became CEO of Chester Race Company in March 2022 and is responsible for Chester, Bangor-on-Dee and Musselburgh racecourses and CRCs other business interests.

Sanjay Patel MBE

CEO

Yorkshire County Cricket Club

David Skaith

David Skaith

Mayor

York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority

David Skaith was elected on Friday 3 May 2024 to serve as the first ever Mayor of York and North Yorkshire to champion the region and bring a host of benefits to hundreds of thousands of residents and businesses. David grew up in Harrogate and now lives outside of York, where he runs his small business. He has a real love for the region and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by residents. As Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith has devolved powers and responsibilities including strategic transport, housing, economy, adult skills, and community safety.

Dave Martin

Dave Martin

CEO

Esports Global

Dave Martin is a seasoned leader with a background spanning esports, fintech, education and investment. Whilst volunteering at British Esports Dave is the CEO at Esports Global, an investment firm specialising in esports. He also serves as an advisor to Resolve Esports and was formerly co-founder of the London Royal Ravens Call of Duty franchise, further showcasing his multifaceted involvement in the esports industry.

Guest Attendees

Jon Dutton OBE

Jon Dutton OBE

Chief Executive

British Olympic Association

Katie Carr

Katie Carr

Head of Environmental Sustainability

British Horseracing Association

Sally Pettipher

Sally Pettipher

CEO

Cornish Pirates

Robert Holmes

Robert Holmes

Head of Commercial Operations

Burnley Football Club

Heather Topel

Heather Topel

Estates Director

All England Lawn Tennis Club

Rucelle Soutar

Rucelle Soutar

Chief Operating Officer

Scottish Football Association

Amy Starkey

Amy Starkey

Project Director

The Jockey Club

Nick Smith

Nick Smith

Head of Infrastructure

Birmingham City FC

Dan Feist

Dan Feist

CEO

Essex Cricket

Clare Sumner CBE

Clare Sumner CBE

Chief Policy and Social Impact Officer

The Premier League

Max Chambers

Max Chambers

Corporate Affairs Director

The Premier League

Maria Bertelli

Maria Bertelli

Senior Vice President

Legends Global

Caroline James

Caroline James

General Manager

Utilita Arena Newcastle

Stuart Pringle OBE

Stuart Pringle OBE

Chief Executive Officer

Silverstone

Paul Bristow

Paul Bristow

Mayor

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

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