The British Cycling governing body has announced the appointment of a new chief executive, with experienced administrator Pete Bonfield replacing the outgoing Jon Dutton in the organization’s top role.
Bonfield, a former cyclist in his own right, joins from the University of Westminster educational institution, where he had been vice-chancellor and president since May 2018.
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Prior to his spell there, Bonfield has held a number of roles across the public sector and trade organizations, including the Institution of Engineering and Technology and the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, at both of which he served as president.
Bonfield has also been a non-executive board member within the UK government, and was senior independent director of UKActive, the trade body for the physical activity sector.
Perhaps most importantly for this role, Bonfield was seconded part-time between 2006 and 2012 to the Olympic Delivery Authority for the London 2012 Olympic Games, co-creating the London 2012 Sustainability Strategy, and supporting the construction of the velodrome and cycling facilities within the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, among others.
Speaking on Bonfield’s appointment, British Cycling chair Chris Pilling said: “ Pete is an accomplished and values-driven leader with a strong track record of leading complex organisations, building partnerships and delivering meaningful change.
“His leadership experience, strategic vision and understanding of the opportunities facing sport and physical activity make him exceptionally well placed to lead British Cycling into its next chapter. We look forward to welcoming him to the organisation in November.”
He replaces Jon Dutton, who at the beginning of this year was appointed as chief executive of the British Olympic Association, taking up the position in July.
Dutton had served as CEO of British Cycling since 2023.
Since Dutton’s departure, British Cycling board member Lee Gibbons had been serving as the chief executive in an interim capacity throughout the executive search period.
Bonfield himself added: ““British Cycling has an exceptional track record of supporting riders at every level, from local clubs and community programmes through to inspiring success on the world stage. With the opportunities ahead for our sport, I am looking forward to working with colleagues, members, volunteers, athletes, partners and sponsors to build on those strong foundations and help shape the next chapter for cycling in Britain.”
In late 2025, British Cycling launched a new commercial arm – British Cycling Ventures (BCV) – and outlined plans to bring in private equity investment, a process that the new CEO will be involved in.
