Former Glasgow City Council chief executive George Black CBE was appointed as chair in October 2024 and has now established a board with members from a diverse range of backgrounds and senior experiences in sport, business, civil service and accessibility. 

Ian Reid CBE, who served as chief financial officer for Glasgow 2014 and spearheaded the Glasgow 2026 concept in his current role as chair of Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS), has been appointed as vice-chair, while CGS chief executive Jon Doig OBE also joins the board.

A number of officials from the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) have also been brought on board to bring continuity of strategic oversight, including CGF chief executive Katie Sadleir CNZM, CGF audit and risk committee chair and board observer Mary Hardy.

The new board also seven non-executive directors:

• Kieron Achara MBE – former professional basketball player;
• Manish Joshi – non-executive director, Scottish Government;
• Dr Julie McElroy – assistive technology expert;
• Theresa Shearer – chief executive, Enable;
• David Grady – former chief financial officer, Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games;
• Jamie Grant – managing director of corporate banking, Barclays; and
• Fiona Taylor QPM – former deputy chief constable, Police Scotland.

Commenting, Mr Black said: “This board is an outstanding group of individuals who bring unparalleled expertise and a diverse mix of experiences to the organising company.

“Glasgow 2026 will be a games like no other. To deliver a world-class multi-sport games in a relatively short period of time, wholly based on private-funding, is a unique challenge but a challenge that we as a board, and as an organising company, are ready for.

“Glasgow has the experience, the facilities and the know-how to deliver a brilliant games, and I have every faith that, alongside our fantastic executive team, we will collectively move the games forward with passion and drive, placing our athletes, fans and the people of Glasgow and Scotland at the heart of our decision-making.”

Ms Sadleir added: “I am delighted to take my place on the Glasgow 2026 Board alongside CGF colleague Mary Hardy, as well as experienced and respected pillars of the Glasgow and Scottish communities.

“Our shared focus is to ensure the delivery of the games to the highest quality in a financially sustainable way, minimising risk and sharply focusing on what matters most for athletes, sports and local communities.”