Judge and former first-class cricketer Simon Lewis appointed UK Anti-Doping Chair

2025
DCMS
Simon Lewis
  • The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy has appointed Simon Lewis as the new Chair of UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) for a term of four years, commencing on 4 August 2025 

The Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) announces today that Simon Lewis is the new Chair of UK Anti-Doping (UKAD). Simon’s background is primarily in the legal sector where he practised as a barrister, in various areas of law, and sits as a fee-paid judge. A former first-class cricketer, Simon will draw on his extensive regulatory and sporting experience to oversee UK's anti-doping efforts.  

The image shows a head and shoulders photo of Simon Lewis. The person is against a blue background and is wearing a navy blue suit, looking to camera
Picture: Simon Lewis, incoming Chair of UK Anti-Doping


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 top-ranked university for contributing to social mobility); sports governance; and charity. 

Commenting 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.” 

[ENDS] 

Notes to Editors 
  • The Chair of UK Anti-Doping is renumerated at a rate of £20,640 per annum. The appointment was made in accordance with the Cabinet’s Office Governance Code on Public Appointments.
  • A full list of UKAD’s Board with brief biographies can be found here.