Global Leaders in Sport join the IWG Global Summit 2026 Speaker Line-Up

The IWG Global Summit 2026 continues to build momentum with the announcement of another outstanding group of speakers joining the programme in Birmingham next month.

This latest speaker announcement reflects the breadth of leadership needed to create lasting progress for women and girls through sport and physical activity. From international federation leadership and transformational investment in women’s sport, to participation, inclusion, commercial growth and organisational culture, these are leaders shaping how sport is governed, funded, experienced and delivered around the world.

The newly announced speakers include:

Chris Boardman MBE – Chair of Sport England, Greater Manchester’s first Cycling and Walking Commissioner, and England’s first National Active Travel Commissioner, bringing unique experience of how sport, physical activity and active travel can drive healthier, more active communities through system-wide change.

Michele Kang – trailblazing owner, investor and philanthropist advancing women’s sport globally, including as majority owner of Washington Spirit, OL Lyonnes and London City Lionesses, and founder of Kynisca.

Chris Grant OBE – one of the UK’s most respected leadership, culture and inclusion specialists, with more than 30 years’ experience advising sport, business, government and civil society on high-performing, equitable organisations.

Stacey Reherman – VP Sports Marketing at Procter & Gamble, leading major partnerships with the NFL, MLS, WNBA and the Olympic and Paralympic Movements.

Fabio Azevedo – President of the FIVB, with more than 35 years of international sports leadership.

Maggie Murphy – Managing Director of Aston Villa Women FC and a leading voice in governance, fan engagement and commercial growth.

Julia Regis – leadership consultant, governance leader and inclusion advocate.

Together, they bring experience from some of the world’s most influential sports organisations, brands and governing bodies, offering delegates practical insight into how leadership, investment, participation and culture can drive lasting progress for women and girls.

Taking place in Birmingham, UK, from 9th–11th July 2026, the IWG Global Summit will bring together leaders from across sport, government, business, academia and advocacy to accelerate action and create meaningful change for women and girls worldwide.

Delivered across three days, the Summit will provide a platform for collaboration, insight and innovation, equipping delegates with practical strategies, global perspectives and new partnerships to help shape a more equitable future for sport and physical activity.