Brisbane 2032 Appoints Kit McConnell as Chief Sport Officer

The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee has made a key appointment in its leadership team, announcing Kit McConnell as its Chief Sport Officer. The move brings one of the most experienced figures in international sports administration back to Australia as preparations for the 2032 Games enter a crucial phase.

A Major Appointment for Brisbane 2032

McConnell, who has served as the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Sports Director for the past 11 years, was selected after an extensive global search. His career within the Olympic Movement spans over two decades, including an early role with the Sydney 2000 Games Organising Committee’s Sports Department.

Brisbane 2032 Chief Executive Cindy Hook welcomed McConnell to the team, emphasising his expertise in sports program design, stakeholder engagement, and event planning.

“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,” Hook said.

“In his new role, 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.”

With just over seven years until the Games, McConnell’s appointment marks a significant step in developing Brisbane 2032’s Sport Program, which will take shape over the next 12-18 months.

Building Global Partnerships for a Seamless Games

Brisbane 2032 President Andrew Liveris stressed the importance of strong relationships with International Federations and Olympic Committees.

“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,” 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.”

A Homecoming for McConnell

McConnell, who is dual Australian and New Zealand national, expressed his excitement about returning to Queensland, where he grew up.

“I am a proud Queenslander and looking forward to returning home after many years overseas,” McConnell said. “I never thought I’d have another chance to be part of a second ‘home Games’. The honour and opportunity are immense.”

“I’ve been very impressed with what Andrew, Cindy, and the Brisbane 2032 team have put in place. The governance, strategy, and Games Plan are embedded, and I have no doubt we will deliver an Olympic and Paralympic Games for Brisbane, Queensland, and Australia to be proud of.”

What’s Next?

McConnell will finish his role with the IOC on June 30, 2025, before officially starting his position with Brisbane 2032 on July 21, 2025.

With sport program development now a top priority, his leadership will be key in shaping the competition schedule, finalizing venue planning, and ensuring Brisbane 2032 meets the expectations of athletes, federations, and fans worldwide.

The appointment of one of the most senior figures in the Olympic Movement signals Brisbane 2032’s commitment to delivering a world-class Games, with McConnell set to play a central role in its success.

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