A lifelong rugby league fan, Robert was appointed as an independent director of The Rugby League World Cup 2021 Board in 2019. He has extensive experience in the sport and major events sector having been part of the Senior Management of The Football Association since 2009. 

His work at The FA involves overseeing an expansion in the English FA’s international engagement which includes opportunities to bid and host major international tournaments in the future, including the UEFA EURO 2020 matches at Wembley Stadium and the Women’s UEFA European Championship in 2021. Robert is also currently leading the work to assess the feasibility of a potential bid to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. 

Previously as Strategy and Communications Director at The FA, Robert led the England team’s off-field programme during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, which saw the team so successfully re-engage with the English media and public. During his time at The FA, Robert has also led on a range of other issues including strategic and business planning, investment into grassroots playing facilities, safeguarding and public policy. 

A trained management consultant, he is a former adviser to the Conservative Party and a range of private and public sector clients including Microsoft, Diageo, Sky, the Police Federation and the Disability Rights Commission.