Ian Millner has been appointed as the first Independent Chair of the National Game Board [NGB] and will start the role in January 2027.
Ian brings more than 30 years of experience spanning business leadership, governance, marketing and organisational transformation. As Co-Founder, Global CEO and Chair of Iris Worldwide, he built the business from a start-up into a global creative and marketing agency, leading its successful sale to Cheil Worldwide in 2015. Throughout his career, he has worked with some of the world's leading brands and organisations, combining expertise in audience engagement, participation and growth with a strong track record of leading complex businesses, bringing together diverse stakeholders and driving change.
His experience of leading transformation, building consensus and navigating complex stakeholder environments will bring a valuable perspective to the National Game Board as it works to grow participation and strengthen grassroots football across England.
Ian has extensive experience across the global sports industry, having worked with leading sporting organisations, rights holders and brands on marketing, sponsorship, fan engagement and participation. Under his leadership, Iris developed programmes for adidas, Manchester United, Formula One and the London 2012 Olympic Games, as well as supporting Barclays' landmark sponsorship of the FA Women's Super League and Arsenal's ‘No More Red’ initiative, which uses the power of football to help tackle knife crime and support young people.
He has also held a number of leadership and governance roles, including Chair of the Marketing Agencies Association and Non-Executive Chair of growth businesses NewGen and Zeal. Alongside his professional career, he is also connected to grassroots football as a recreational player and parent supporter and volunteer at Chesham United Football Club.
The National Game Board is the Senior Committee of The FA that plays a pivotal role in shaping and overseeing the future of grassroots football in England. It works directly with County Football Associations, Education Partners, Council and the wider grassroots system, and is responsible for making key decisions on investment, participation, standards and development across the national game. The appointment of a new Independent Chair is part of The FA's continued efforts to strengthen the governance of its key decision-making boards.
The National Game Board provides oversight of the current 2024-28 FA Grassroots Strategy, ‘A Thriving Grassroots Game’, which focuses on growing participation, delivering equal opportunities for women and girls, building and improving facilities, tackling poor behaviour and developing our valued network of volunteers, coaches and referees. It also oversees The FA’s ambitions to support community clubs, develop digital platforms and improve the governance of the grassroots game – ensuring that it is well run and safe for all.
James Kendall, FA Director of Football Development, said: "We are delighted to welcome Ian Millner as the first Independent Chair of the National Game Board. Ian joins the Board at a pivotal and exciting time for the grassroots game in England, and he brings the experience, leadership and passion for football needed to help shape its future. Grassroots football plays a vital role in communities across the country, providing opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to participate, develop and enjoy the game. We look forward to working closely with Ian in his new role to build on the significant progress we’ve made in recent years and to ensure that grassroots football continues to thrive for generations to come."
Ian Millner said: "I'm enormously proud to be taking on this role. Football has been a constant throughout my life, both personally and professionally, and I believe passionately in its power to bring people together, build confidence and strengthen communities.
"Grassroots football is one of this country's most valuable social assets, made possible by the extraordinary commitment of volunteers, coaches, referees, clubs and County FAs who give so much to the game.
"I'm looking forward to listening, learning and working alongside those who know the game best, bringing my experience of leadership, governance and transformation to help shape its future. For me, the opportunity is to help grassroots football evolve while protecting the community spirit, local identity and sense of belonging that make it so special."
