Simon Clegg

Senior Advisor

Simon Clegg, Senior Advisor at EMIR, is a distinguished leader with over 30 years of global experience in sports management, major events, and tourism. Renowned for his strategic vision and exceptional track record, Simon has successfully delivered large-scale international projects that have shaped industries. He is a trusted advisor for event strategy, sports development and leveraging sports tourism for economic growth.

Simon’s career is marked by his influential role in managing British athletes at 12 Olympic and Olympic Winter Games, leading Team GB to its most successful Olympic performance in a century at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. As Chief Executive of the British Olympic Association (1997-2008), he elevated the nation’s sporting success and positioned British sport on the global stage. He also led Ipswich Town Football Club and served on the Chelsea FC Advisory Board, showcasing his expertise in sports governance and commercial strategy.

A visionary in Olympic legacy and international events, Simon was instrumental in securing the London 2012 Olympic Games, leading the national political and PR campaigns that persuaded Prime Minister Tony Blair and his government to support the bid. He continued his influence as a board member of the London 2012 Bid and Organising Committees, becoming one of three British signatories on the IOC Host City contract.

Simon’s global impact extended to his role as Chief Operating Officer for the inaugural European Games in Baku, Azerbaijan, managing a USD 1 billion project with 2,500 professionals and 12,000 volunteers, achieving a global television reach of 823 million households. He later applied his expertise to Expo 2020 in Dubai, overseeing operations for one of the most ambitious world expos.

Simon Clegg’s experience and strategic insight make him an invaluable partner for organisations aiming to elevate their impact through world-class events, sports development and sports tourism-driven economic growth.