Brisbane 2032 Names Kit McConnell Chief Sport Officer

Kit McConnell will be leaving his role as sports director at the International Olympic Committee to become the chief sport officer for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organizing Committee in Brisbane.

McConnell has had an extensive career across the international sporting landscape and Olympic Movement, dating to his role as part of the Sydney 2000 Games Organizing Committee. McConnell will conclude his role with the IOC at the end of June and start with Brisbane 2032 on July 21 of this year.

“I am a proud Queenslander and looking forward to returning home after many years overseas,” McConnell said. “I have fond memories of my time working as part of the Sydney 2000 Games Organizing Committee and I never thought I’d have another chance to be part of a second ‘home Games’. The honour and opportunity are immense.”

Along with his time working on the Sydney Games, McConnell worked at the IOC from 1996 to 1997 and again from 2000 to 2002. From 2002 to 2013 he was Rugby World Cup Tournament Director at World Rugby.

“Kit brings an incredible level of experience to a role that requires constant stakeholder engagement to ensure the interests of athletes remain at the center of every aspect of planning and delivering the Games in 2032,” said Brisbane 2032 Chief Executive Cindy Hook. “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.”

In his role as IOC Sports Director, McConnell led relations with International Federations and partnerships with OCOG sports departments and the analysis of the sports and event program planning for the Games.

“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,” Brisbane 2032 President Andrew Liveris said. “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.”