Claire Miles will join the FA Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director in November 2026.
With over 20 years’ experience from the financial services, energy, digital and transport sectors, Claire will bring a wealth of expertise from across a range of industries to the role, as well as 10 years as a Non-Executive Director. She is currently the Chief Executive Officer of leading UK transport operator, Stagecoach, and is the Non-Executive Director and Remuneration Committee Chair at Biffa. Claire has also previously held a Non-Executive Director role at Northgate.
Claire will replace Kate Tinsley OBE, who will step down in October 2026, having completed a nine-year term in the role. Kate joined The FA Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director in October 2017 and went on to become Senior Independent Director in May 2022. She was also the Board Lead on Welfare and Safety and served on the Nominations, Remuneration, Commercial and Group Audit & Risk Committees. Stephen Morana will replace Kate as Senior Independent Director on the FA Board, and the replacements for her other roles on the various Board Committees will be made in due course.
Debbie Hewitt MBE, FA Chair, said: "We are very pleased to confirm that Claire will be joining the FA Board from November as an Independent Non-executive Director. She will be a valuable addition to the Board, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise from across a wide range of industries, as well as a clear passion for English football.
"I would also like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to Kate Tinsley OBE who steps down after completing a full term of nine years on the Board. Kate has made an outstanding contribution to English football. We are so grateful for her service and the lasting impact that she has made to our national game during her time here."
Claire Miles said: "I am delighted to be joining the FA Board and very excited by the opportunity to work alongside such a talented and dedicated team. Having grown up in the North East, football has always been a significant part of my life. Through my teenage sons, who play and referee at grassroots level, I have seen firsthand the positive impact that the game can have on individuals and communities. I look forward to playing my part in supporting English football and helping to ensure it continues to evolve, grow and thrive in the future."
From November 2026, the FA Board will comprise:
- Debbie Hewitt MBE – FA Chair
- Mark Bullingham – Chief Executive Officer
- Alex Baker – National Game Representative
- Sarah Walters – National Game Representative
- Dharmash Mistry – Professional Game Representative
- Rick Parry – Professional Game Representative
- Stephen Morana – Senior Independent Non-Executive Director and Group Audit & Risk Committee Chair
- Mark Esiri – Independent Non-Executive Director and Remuneration Committee Chair
- Jobi McAnuff – Independent Non-Executive Director and Performance Advisory Group Chair
- Claire Miles – Independent Non-Executive Director
