Charlie Methven joins Board at Global Institute of Sport, bolstering elite leadership team at world’s premier sports university

The Global Institute of Sport (GIS) is proud to announce the appointment of Charlie Methven to its ownership group’s Board of Directors – bringing one of the most distinctive and influential voices in global football leadership into the heart of the world’s leading sports university.

Methven’s appointment to the Global Sports Education Group (GSEG) Board – the parent organisation of GIS – comes at an exciting time for the university as it expands globally and strengthens its reputation as the world’s premier destination for students seeking a career in football and sport.

Methven, whose career spans executive leadership roles at Sunderland AFC and Charlton Athletic FC, as well as advisory positions with McLaren F1, the Jockey Club, and the government of Qatar in the run-up to the 2022 World Cup, is currently Managing Director of Mount Pleasant FA, the Caribbean region’s leading football club. He brings with him a wealth of top-tier experience across sport, media, and performance strategy.

A product of Eton College and the University of Oxford, Methven combines elite academic pedigree with real-world boardroom and operational credibility— bridging the business and performance dimensions of the sports industry. His experience and far-reaching network make him an invaluable addition to GIS’ leadership at a moment of strategic global growth. Known across the industry for challenging convention and championing bold ideas, Methven’s appointment reinforces GIS’ position in shaping the future of sport — bringing together the sharpest minds to educate the next generation of leaders.

Commenting on his appointment, Methven said: “I have watched on with admiration as the Global Institute of Sport has started to shape the future of Sport. I am honoured to be asked to join its Board. As our industry matures, it constantly needs better access to better qualified people, and that is what GIS is now providing through courses which combine a unique mix of academic credibility and hands-on experience and connectivity. I greatly look forward to supporting Sharona Friedman and her talented executive team as they continue to build this exciting business.”

Sharona Friedman, President & CEO of the Global Institute of Sport, added: “Charlie’s appointment signals a new chapter of growth and excellence. He brings unmatched expertise at the intersection of sport, media, and leadership—and his values align powerfully with ours. He’s not just a board member—he’s a force multiplier.”

The Global Institute of Sport is recognised for its top-ranked online and stadium-based degrees in football and sports business, coaching and performance, and media and marketing. GIS offers students and alumni truly immersive learning opportunities, real-world work placements, and global networking experiences from iconic stadium campuses including Wembley Stadium and Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium, as well as venues stretching across Brussels, Dubai, Kingston, Melbourne, Sydney and Toronto.

The Global Sports Education Group is a collective of global citizens united by a bold mission: to elevate the world’s sports economy by democratising access to high-quality education, talent development, and employment across the industry. With shareholders and stakeholders spanning every continent, GSEG may be the most internationally representative sports education organisation in the world today.