British Cycling has announced the appointment of Professor Pete Bonfield OBE as its new Chief Executive. Pete will join the organisation in mid-November from the University of Westminster, where he has served as Vice-Chancellor and President since 2018.
A lifelong cyclist, Pete is a former British Cycling National Juvenile Circuit Race champion, represented Great Britain at the Junior Worlds and was a National Senior Road squad member. He has also raced, coached, managed, toured and commuted by bike, bringing a deep personal connection to the sport alongside leadership experience across higher education, government, professional membership organisations and physical activity.
During a distinguished career, Pete has led major organisations and programmes, advised government through a number of independent reviews, and held senior board and leadership positions across a range of national and international organisations. He has served as President of both the Institution of Engineering and Technology and the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, been a Non-Executive Board Member within UK Government, and was formerly Senior Independent Director of ukactive.
Between 2006 and 2012, Pete was seconded part-time to the Olympic Delivery Authority, where he helped co-create and deliver the London 2012 Sustainability Strategy and led work relating to construction products across the Olympic build programme, including the development of the velodrome and cycling facilities within the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Chris Pilling, Chair of British Cycling, said:
“Following a rigorous recruitment process, we are delighted to appoint Pete as British Cycling’s next Chief Executive. Pete is an accomplished and values-driven leader with a strong track record of leading complex organisations, building partnerships and delivering meaningful change.
“His leadership experience, strategic vision and understanding of the opportunities facing sport and physical activity make him exceptionally well placed to lead British Cycling into its next chapter. We look forward to welcoming him to the organisation in November.
“I would also like to place on record my sincere thanks to Lee Gibbons for his exceptional contribution as Interim Chief Executive. Lee has led the organisation with great energy, skill and integrity during this period and has provided stability and momentum across a number of important priorities.”
Professor Pete Bonfield OBE said:
“I am delighted to be joining British Cycling at such an exciting time for the sport. Cycling has been a constant throughout my life, whether through racing, commuting, coaching or simply enjoying the freedom that a bike provides, and it is a privilege to have the opportunity to lead the national governing body for a sport that gives so much to so many people in diverse ways’.”
“British Cycling has an exceptional track record of supporting riders at every level, from local clubs and community programmes through to inspiring success on the world stage. With the opportunities ahead for our sport, I am looking forward to working with colleagues, members, volunteers, athletes, partners and sponsors to build on those strong foundations and help shape the next chapter for cycling in Britain.”
Pete will take up the role in mid-November.
