Birmingham 2022 movers and shakers dominate New Year Honours List
The movers and shakers behind making the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games in Birmingham such a success have been recognised in the 2023 New Year Honours List.
Denise Lewis OBE, the president of the Games, is made a Dame, while John Crabtree, OBE, chair of the Organising Committee and Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, is knighted. Ian Reid, the chief executive of the organising committee of Birmingham 2022 is handed a CBE, while Ian Metcalfe, the chair of Commonwealth Games England receives an OBE. Chris Jones, the project director of the Sandwell Aquatics Centre lands an MBE.
Reid, who has led the team for more than four and a half years, said: “I am immensely proud to have been awarded a CBE in the New Year honours list. It was unexpected but it’s a lovely surprise at the end of a very special year.
“It is also pleasing to see colleagues and representatives from some of our key partners who helped delivered the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games be recognised with honours too.
“An event on this scale can only be successfully delivered by a huge team of people and although the work of some individuals has been highlighted through these honours, I would like to once again thank everyone involved in helping to stage Birmingham 2022.
“So many people made a huge contribution through their hard work and dedication, and we could not have done it without them.”
Crabtree added: “This year’s recipients showcase a range of outstanding achievements and provide an insight into the amazing people that make our region so great.
“For my part, I am both honoured and humbled to be awarded a knighthood and to be in the company of wonderful people from across the West Midlands that make a real difference. We are all immensely grateful for what they do each and every day and I am absolutely delighted to see so many gain the recognition they deserve in the King’s first New Year Honours.”
Other Commonwealth Games leading figures to receive honours are:
– Shah Sheikh Shepali Begum, outreach and impacts manager, Commonwealth Games Legacy Team (BEM)
– Sarah Coffey, executive assistant to the chief executive officer, Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games (BEM)
– Beth Stimpson, head of legacy, Birmingham 2022 (BEM).
Earlier this year, the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games team were named Ambassador of the Year at the West Midlands Business Masters Awards.
Meanwhile, Ben Francis, the founder and CEO of Gymshark receives an MBE for services to the business sector.
Outside of the Games, other leading business figures to be recognised are:
– Professor Robert Dover, chairman, Advanced Propulsion Centre UK in Leamington Spa (CBE)
– Peter Kyle, chair of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust (CBE)
– Jatinder Sharma OBE, principal of Walsall College (CBE)
– Ralph Findlay, the former Marston’s chief executive (OBE)
– Ian Hares, CEO of UK Asset Resolution (OBE)
– Sara William, chief executive of the Stafford Chambers of Commerce (OBE)
– Barbara Beadman, board member, British Glass (MBE)
– Jaspal Singh Mann, director of Simply Shred and Recycle (MBE)
– Yiannas Maos, founder and CEO of Birmingham Tech CIC (MBE)
– James McBride, area council member, Hereford and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce (BEM)
