Baroness Sue Campbell

Former Chairman of UK Sport, Head & Director of Women’s Football for The Football Association, CEO of the National Coaching Foundation & Named as one of the 100 Most Powerful Women in the United Kingdom by Woman’s Hour

Baroness Sue Campbell’s Biography:

Baroness Sue Campbell is one of the most influential figures in British sport, renowned for her transformational leadership across grassroots participation, elite performance and women’s football. A former Chairman of UK Sport and Director of Women’s Football at The Football Association, Sue has played a pivotal role in shaping the modern sporting landscape in the United Kingdom. Widely recognised as an authority on leadership, teamwork and high performance, she is a sought-after speaker who shares lessons from decades spent leading major sporting organisations and driving cultural change. Her work overseeing elite sport contributed to the success of Team GB and ParalympicsGB at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, while her leadership in women’s football helped accelerate the sport’s growth and visibility nationwide.

Beginning her career as a physical education teacher in the 1970s, Sue developed a strong foundation in education before moving into higher education and sports administration. She served as Deputy Director of Physical Education at Leicester University and later as a Lecturer in Physical Education and Sports Science at Loughborough University. During the 1980s, she became Regional Officer for the East Midlands at the Sports Council of Great Britain before progressing into senior leadership positions as Deputy CEO and CEO of the National Coaching Foundation. She subsequently became CEO of the Youth Sport Trust and later advised both the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Department for Education and Skills on sporting and educational policy.

Sue’s outstanding contribution to sport has been recognised through numerous honours. She was appointed MBE in 1991, CBE in 2003 and DBE in 2020 for services to sport. In 2008, she was created Baroness Campbell of Loughborough in the County of Leicestershire and took her seat as a crossbench member of the House of Lords. She was also named among the 100 Most Powerful Women in the United Kingdom by Woman’s Hour, reflecting her influence beyond the sporting arena.

Throughout her career, Sue has championed opportunities for young people and women in sport, becoming a role model for future generations. Her ability to lead organisational transformation, develop high-performing teams and overcome barriers has made her an inspirational figure across business, education and sport. Drawing upon experiences from the classroom to the boardroom, Sue delivers compelling insights into leadership, resilience, culture and long-term success.

Why Hire Baroness Sue Campbell?

Baroness Sue Campbell is hired as a speaker for her extensive experience leading some of the UK’s most influential sporting organisations and driving lasting cultural change. She delivers practical lessons on team performance, diversity and organisational excellence drawn from decades at the highest levels of sport and public service. Whether discussing the development of elite athletes, building winning cultures or increasing opportunities for women and young people, Sue delivers insightful, authentic and highly relevant presentations that inspire leaders to create meaningful impact within their organisations.

Baroness Sue Campbell‘s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Baroness Sue Campbell’s remarkable career:

• 2020 – Appointed DBE for Services to Sport in recognition of her lifelong contribution to British sport.
• 2018 – Became Director of Women’s Football at The Football Association, helping accelerate the growth of the women’s game.
• 2016 – Appointed Head of Women’s Football at The Football Association to lead strategic development across the sport.
• 2013 – Named one of the 100 Most Powerful Women in the United Kingdom by Woman’s Hour on BBC Radio 4.
• 2008 – Created Baroness Campbell of Loughborough in the County of Leicestershire and joined the House of Lords.
• 2005 – Served as Chairman of the Youth Sport Trust, supporting youth engagement and participation in sport.
• 2003 – Appointed CBE and became Chairman of UK Sport, overseeing elite sporting development and Olympic preparation.
• 2000 – Acted as Adviser to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Department for Education and Skills.
• 1995 – Became CEO of the Youth Sport Trust, leading initiatives to improve sport and physical education for young people.
• 1985 – Appointed CEO of the National Coaching Foundation, helping to professionalise coaching standards across the UK.