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George Lucas has been appointed by the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport as the Northern Ireland Member of UK Sport from 22 June 2020 to 31 January 2021.

George has operated at Board level for over 30 years. He held the roles of Managing Director of Corus Steel Ireland and Chair of Steel Company of Ireland during a long and successful career in the industry. Formerly Chair of the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI), he is also a past Chair of the Ulster Branch of Tennis Ireland. George has brought a range of business, change management and sport sector experience to Sport NI since his appointment as Chair of its Board in February 2017 by the NI Executive’s Minister for Communities.

A strong believer in the lifelong benefits from participation in sport and physical recreation, keen sportsman George currently plays tennis for Ireland at Veterans level and has competed in 14 International Tennis Federation (ITF) World Team Championships, held in a range of countries. He is a Trustee of Downshire Tennis Club in Hillsborough, County Down, having served for 25 years as its Chair.

As Sport NI Chair, his appreciation of and commitment to all parts of the sporting system from participation to high performance level has proved valuable. George takes an active interest in a wide range of sports and positively promotes the power of sport for all.

This role is remunerated at £218 per day. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments, the process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. The Government’s Governance Code requires that any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years is declared. This is defined as holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation or candidature for election. Mr Lucas has not declared any activity.