Our Team
UKEL’s world-class Board and executive team have extensive experience in the planning and delivery of successful international sporting events. We’re supported by a collective of talented consultants and trusted suppliers, so we can shape the best line-up for your project or event needs.
Alys Carlton
Chair
Alys is the Chair of the Football Association of Wales and is an NED of Orchard Media and Events (a Wales-based strategic marketing agency). She is also an Executive Coach, running her own business consultancy providing a range of trusted adviser services to senior leaders globally. Prior to this, Alys spent almost 20 years as a corporate lawyer, firstly at Allen & Overy (now AO Shearman) in London and Milan, and then as a partner at Capital Law in Cardiff. Alys is also a Judge in the Mental Health Review Tribunal for Wales.
Steve Elworthy MBE
Director
Steve is currently the Chief Executive of Surrey County Cricket, having previously held roles as CEO of the highly successful 2019 Cricket World Cup and 2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup. He spent 12 years working with the England and Wales Cricket Board and the International Cricket Council (ICC) delivering six ICC global tournaments. He is an experienced non-executive director, holding roles across major sporting events including the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships in Glasgow and the 2019 Netball World Cup in Liverpool. Steve was also chair of the Netball Super League between 2019 and 2022. Steve entered the world of sports administration after retiring from a 14-year professional cricket career. Steve represented South Africa for a number of years from 1998 to 2003 and played in the Cricket World Cup in England in 1999.
Chris Brindley MBE
Director
After a successful career as an Executive Director in two different industries, Chris stepped down after four years as MD at Metro Bank to undertake a portfolio career as a Chair, NED, International Speaker, Executive Coach and Consultant in business and sport. Since stepping down Chris has had a fulfilling second career, which has seen him recognised with an MBE for services to sport and winner of the Institute of Directors, UK Non-Executive Director of the Year in 2017. Chris was the Chair of the Rugby League World Cup 2021 and is currently Chair of Northern Ireland Football League. He has also operated at Board level for the Rugby Football League, Manchester Football Association, Sporting House, GreaterSport and MCRactive. Chris also serves as the Interim Chair of Grand Depart GB 2027 Ltd.
Esther Britten MBE
Observer
Esther is UK Sport's Deputy Director, and Head of Major Events and External Affairs, responsible for the UK's major sporting event hosting strategy, strategically programming and investing on behalf of the UK Government to ensure the UK continues to host the most significant and impactful major international sporting events. Esther is an experienced leader and Board member, working to strategically manage major events ensuring that they deliver for the host city, rights holder and government partners. Esther is an observer on the UKEL Board, representing UK Sport as a B member, and an observer on the Board of Grand Depart GB 2027 Ltd.
Meet our Board
Bev Ward
COO
Bev is a purpose-driven senior leader with significant experience in sport and major events across communications, marketing, commercial, major events bidding and delivery, grant management and social impact. She’s a strategic thinker operating at board and C-suite level across complex, multi-stakeholder projects, programmes and events. Bev most recently spent two years at UK Sport as Major Events Lead, led the Host City programme for UEFA Women’s EURO 2022, and the bids for UEFA EURO 2028 and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035. Bev has led the establishment of UKEL and leads the day-to-day operations, business plan and client relations.
John Muddeman
Director of Events
For 20 years, John has worked in the sports events industry across a multitude of sports and events staged across the UK and the world. Most recently, John was the Event Director for the 2025 World Boxing Championships which took place in Liverpool, the largest international boxing tournament in UK history, setting new standards for the sport in community and social engagement, working alongside a newly established international federation and with the support of the IOC, UK Sport and Liverpool City Council. Previously, John has worked for UK Sport, Nottingham City Council and British Triathlon and on projects with numerous National Governing Bodies.
Katie Griffin
Operations Lead
Katie Griffin brings more than ten years of experience in major events and stadia operations, working in sport events across operational delivery, project management, strategy and bidding. Katie recently managed the quarter-finals and semi-finals of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, and at UEFA Women’s EURO 2022, was Venue Manager in Milton Keynes. Katie also led the development of UK Sport’s major event strategy and supported the UEFA EURO UK&I 2028 bid.
