British Cycling can today announce that Rebecca McNeil has joined the British Cycling Board of Directors as an Independent Non-Executive Director, bringing with her more than 20 years of experience in senior finance, sport and advisory roles.

Rebecca’s most recent roles include CEO for the Retail Division of Close Brothers plc and COO of Barclays Business Bank, alongside chairing The Finance and Leasing Association and the UK Finance Corporate Committee. Her wealth of experience in finance and digital transformation has also seen her play important roles in the Government’s Scale Up Taskforce and the Mayor of London’s Business Committee, in an advisory capacity.

A passionate road and gravel rider, who counts completing the Dragon Ride amongst her achievements on the bike, Rebecca is passionate about widening access to sport and physical activity and was previously Chair of the Women’s Sport Trust from 2023-24.

Speaking about her appointment, Rebecca said:

“Joining the Board of British Cycling is a huge privilege.  As a lifelong cyclist, from commuting to competing, I hope the experience from my corporate and advisory career will bring benefits to the executive team and the sport.”

British Cycling Chair, Frank Slevin, said:

“We’re delighted to welcome Rebecca to the Board of Directors at what is an incredibly exciting time of change and modernisation for our organisation. With her depth of experience across finance, strategy and transformation, and her passion for our sport, I’ve no doubt that she will be a huge asset to our organisation.”

Rebecca’s appointment to the Board of Directors follows the departure of Senior Independent Non-Executive Director, Sharon Bridgland-Gough, who leaves the Board after five years. In that time Sharon has chaired the Nomination and Remuneration Committee and provided vital support to the Executive Leadership Team through a period of significant change.

Paying tribute to Sharon’s contribution to the Board, Slevin added:

“Over the past five years Sharon has shown unwavering support and commitment to British Cycling, and I will personally miss her greatly valued candour and counsel. Sharon leaves the Board as a firm friend of our organisation, and on behalf of British Cycling I’d like to thank her for her contribution and service.”

The British Cycling Board of Directors is made up of an Independent Chair, three nominated representatives from the English regions, Scotland and Wales, four elected directors, and three Independent Non-Executive Directors. The Board provide support and oversight to the organisation’s Executive Leadership and staff team and represent the voice of our 140,000-strong membership.

Find out more about the British Cycling Board of Directors here.