Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee makes Chief Sport Officer appointment

The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee (Brisbane 2032) has announced the appointment of Kit McConnell as Chief Sport Officer.

The announcement follows an extensive global search that saw an array of high calibre national and international candidates interested in the role.

McConnell is currently the International Olympic Committee’s Sports Director and has had an extensive career across the international sporting landscape and Olympic Movement, dating back to his role within the Sports Department as part of the Sydney 2000 Games Organising Committee.

Confirmed the appointment and praising McConnell’s expertise in designing, planning and delivering sport programs and major events, Brisbane 2032 Chief Executive, Cindy Hook stated “Kit brings an incredible level of experience to a role that requires constant stakeholder engagement to ensure the interests of athletes remain at the centre of every aspect of planning and delivering the Games in 2032.

“In his new role Kit will be responsible for designing our Sport Program, including the consideration of additional sports, and will lead our engagement with the International Federations and National Olympic and Paralympic Committees. Having worked within the Olympic Movement for over two decades and as the IOC’s Sports Director for the last 11 years is a huge advantage for our team and for the athletes who will compete in 2032.”

Brisbane 2032 President, Andrew Liveris added “having had extensive conversations with most of the International Federations and many Committees during the Paris 2024 Games and since, I know how critical it is to provide constant planning and progress updates and to build good relationships with these key stakeholders.

“The fact that Brisbane 2032 has been able to secure the IOC Sports Director to lead our Sport function is a huge coup. The time is right for this appointment, as the development of the 2032 Sport Program is a priority over the next 12-18 months.”

A dual Australian and New Zealand national, McConnell will be returning home to Australia to support the delivery of the Games in 2032.

Looking forward to his new role, he explained “(I am) looking forward to returning home after many years overseas. I have fond memories of my time working as part of the Sydney 2000 Games Organising Committee and I never thought I’d have another chance to be part of a second ‘home Games’.

“The honour and opportunity are immense.

“I’ve been very impressed with what Andrew, Cindy and the Brisbane 2032 team have put in place over the past couple of years. The governance, strategy and Games Plan are embedded, and I have no doubt we will deliver an Olympic and Paralympic Games for Brisbane, Queensland and Australia to be proud of, promoting equality and inclusion across athletes, and an unrivaled Games experience for participants and fans alike. I can’t wait to get started.”

McConnell will conclude his current role with the IOC on 30th June and commence in his new role as Brisbane 2032 Chief Sport Officer on 21st July 2025.

Image: Kit McConnell. Credit: Brisbane 2032.