The Executive Team

Mark Osikoya

Chief Executive

Mark Osikoya took up his role as CEO at Commonwealth Games England in March 2023. 

He joined the team after eight years at the National Basketball Association where he headed up the global partnership team in the EME region. Prior to working at the NBA, he headed up sponsorship at Barclays, Coca-Cola and The Football Association in addition to prior experience at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and adidas. 

Mark is currently a trustee at StreetGames UK.

Francesca Carter-Kelly

Director of Sport and Performance

Francesca is Commonwealth Games England’s Director of Sport and Performance, which involves working closely with National Governing Bodies to ensure the team and athletes are best supported in the lead up to and at the Games. 

At Birmingham 2022, Francesca was the Deputy Chef de Mission for Sport and Athletes and Chef de Mission for the Trinbago 2023 Youth Games. 

Francesca was the Chef de Mission for Team Great Britain at the Winter World University Games in Russia in 2019 and oversaw the development and delivery of Team England’s preparation camp for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. 

Francesca Crabtree

Operations Manager

Francesca joined Commonwealth Games England in 2020 as Operations Manager. 

As part of the Operations Team, she will lead the accreditation, ticketing and transport projects for Victoria 2026. 

Francesca has experience working for a National Governing Body (British Triathlon) and in an operations role in the mass participation industry. She also held a sport management role at the Special Olympics in Abu Dhabi in 2019.

Hollie Lunn

Games Delivery Coordinator

Hollie joined the team in 2018 as an Event Operations Intern for her placement year at University. Hollie returned to work with us as a Games Delivery Coordinator in February of 2021 after graduating from her degree in International Hospitality Management. As part of the Operations department, she aided the Operations Manager in both accreditation and village operations for the Birmingham 2022 Games.

Hollie also played netball throughout her time at university and enjoys tennis in her spare time.

Ben Shepherd

Chief Operating Officer

Ben joined Commonwealth Games England as COO in March 2023.

Ben brings thirteen years of senior financial experience across the sport, charity, and retail sectors. He took up his role with Commonwealth Games England after six years at the Lawn Tennis Association including his role as Head of Finance, and his most recent role as Director of Business Operations and Company Secretary at ukactive.

Harriet Smith

Head of Programme Management

Harriet is the Head of Programme Management at Commonwealth Games England, which involves working alongside all project owners to provide support and focus ahead of key timelines in the run up to a Games.

Harriet was the Project Manager for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games and supported the delivery for Team Great Britain at the Summer World University Games in Naples in 2019.

Olivia Harper

Office Coordinator

Olivia is the Office Coordinator for Commonwealth Games England having joined the team in May 2023.

Coming from Los Angeles, CA., Olivia moved to the UK in 2019 as a Master's student at the University of St Andrews, and later LSE. She studied Sports Management in her undergrad, having worked in the Olympic Movement in the USA.

She worked with The Boat Race Company and British Mountaineering Council before joining Commonwealth Games England. Olivia has a passion for arts and entertainment, as well as golfing, running and swimming in her free time.

Manraj Jandu

Finance Manager

Manraj is an ACCA qualified accountant with a diverse background and a track record of success. Having previously worked as a Finance Analyst at the The Wellcome Trust, Manraj had roles in Financial & Investment Accounting, Business Partnering and Tax for over three years, gaining invaluable experience in various aspects of finance. Manraj’s background extends to roles as a Brand Ambassador for Accenture and a Customer Engagement Manager at tech startup, FIIT.

Beyond his professional life, Manraj is actively involved in various sports but mainly a dedicated Rugby player for Sutton & Epsom RFC and a member of the London Strength where he trains and competes in Olympic lifting. Previously he has competed in the British student championships during his time at Brunel University London as a student.