The Global Institute of Sport (GIS) has confirmed the appointment of Charlie Methven to its ownership group’s Board of Directors, bringing one of global football’s most distinctive and influential voices to the leadership of the world’s leading sports university.
Methven’s addition to the Board of the Global Sports Education Group (GSEG), the parent organisation of GIS, comes at a pivotal moment as the university continues its global expansion and reinforces its status as the leading destination for aspiring professionals in football and sport.
Methven, who has held executive roles at Sunderland AFC and Charlton Athletic FC and advised organisations such as McLaren F1, the Jockey Club, and the Qatari government ahead of the 2022 World Cup, now serves as Managing Director of Mount Pleasant FA, the Caribbean’s leading football club. He brings extensive expertise in sport, media, and performance strategy.
Educated at Eton College and the University of Oxford, Methven pairs a prestigious academic background with proven boardroom and operational expertise, seamlessly connecting the business and performance sides of the sports industry. His deep experience and expansive network make him a key asset to GIS leadership during a period of strategic global expansion. Renowned for challenging norms and advocating innovative thinking, Methven’s arrival further strengthens GIS’ role in shaping the future of sport by uniting top talent to prepare the next generation of leaders.
Reflecting on his new role, Methven expressed admiration for GIS’s impact on the future of sport and shared his enthusiasm for contributing to its continued growth and success.
“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,” he said via press release.
President & CEO of the Global Institute of Sport, Sharona Friedman, highlighted Methven’s strategic value to the organisation, emphasising his unique expertise and alignment with the institute’s mission.
“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,” she said via press release.
The Global Institute of Sport is renowned for its leading online and stadium-based degree programs across football and sports business, coaching and performance, and media and marketing. GIS provides students and alumni with immersive educational experiences, practical work placements, and international networking opportunities at iconic stadium campuses such as Wembley Stadium and Chase Stadium, along with locations extending to Dubai, Kingston and Melbourne.
