Simon Lewis
Simon has been appointed as Chair of UK Anti-Doping and his term will commence on 4 August 2025.
His background is primarily in the Legal Sector where he has practised as a barrister, in various relevant areas of law, and where he now sits as a fee-paid judge. Simon has served in a number of non-executive board-level roles: within workplace relations (at Acas); professional regulation (at Social Work England and at the Bar Standards Board); healthcare (at a mental health and community NHS trust); higher education (at England’s leading university for improving social mobility); sport governance; and charity. He has also acted in a range of independent regulatory roles across various sectors: within healthcare, sport, and finance/business.
Simon grew up in Wales and then Yorkshire, playing representative sports, before graduating from the University of Cambridge.
On his appointment, Simon Lewis said:
“It is an honour to be appointed as Chair of UKAD. Having worked extensively across regulatory and sporting landscapes, I’m excited to be able to govern and support an organisation so inextricably involved in both.
“I want to ensure UKAD continues to bolster the UK’s strong reputation for clean and healthy sport across the four nations. I’m arriving at an important and busy time, with a host of major sporting events approaching, including the Women’s Rugby World Cup, the Winter Olympics and Paralympics, and the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. I look forward to working with the team, engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, and supporting UKAD’s goal to protect clean sport.”
Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport said:
“I’m delighted to welcome Simon Lewis as the new Chair of UKAD. Simon has extensive experience in sport and law, which will ensure UKAD continues to deliver with professionalism and integrity.
“Sport is part of our national story and as part of our Plan for Change we want to remove barriers to participation at grassroots and support athletes in elite settings. Upholding the values of clean sport and fair competition are absolutely vital in achieving this and as we welcome Simon, I’d like to thank departing Chair Trevor Pearce for all of his work during his tenure.”
Jane Rumble, Chief Executive of UKAD said:
“We are very pleased to welcome Simon to UKAD. Simon brings his deep and relevant legal and sport governance experience to us at a pivotal time. In addition to a busy sporting calendar of major events UKAD will also soon shape and deliver a new multi-year Strategic Plan. UKAD is also preparing for the launch of the 2027 World Anti-Doping Code.
“On behalf of us all at UKAD we are looking forward to giving Simon a warm welcome as he takes up stewardship of our committed and brilliant team.
“I would also like to thank our outgoing chair Trevor Pearce, who has been with us for nearly nine years, for his excellent stewardship at the helm of our organisation.”
Remuneration and Governance Code
The Chair of UK Anti-Doping is remunerated at a rate of £20,640 per annum. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments.
The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. Simon has not declared any significant political activity.
