Stephen Brown, as founder of Two Four Six Sports, will now deliver those services in his position as Interim Chief Operating Officer of the Championships. Stephen has enjoyed a wide-ranging career in the sports industry working in both football and rugby league.

Birmingham was announced as host of Europe’s most prestigious athletics competition following a successful bid process with UK Athletics in November 2022 – the first time theUK has ever hosted the European Athletics Championships.

Stephen previously served as Chief Operating Officer for the Rugby League World Cup 2021 and was instrumental in the delivery of the first-ever staging of simultaneous men, women and wheelchair games at a Rugby League World Cup. The event was acclaimed for its successful social impact programme, commitment to inclusion, broadcast and commercial partnerships and was recently nominated for three awards at the 2023 Sports Industry Awards.

Speaking on the appointment Brown said: “I am delighted that Two Four Six Sports has been contracted for this exciting opportunity and I will fulfil the role of Interim Chief Operating Officer for the European Athletics Championships in 2026. I am very grateful to Birmingham City Council, UK Athletics and UK Sport for giving me this opportunity and putting their trust in me.

“I am enthusiastic to be able to learn and work in a new sport in what is an exciting time for mega events in the UK and Birmingham and I look forward to building on the recent success of the Commonwealth Games.”

Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “For a major international sporting event like this, it’s essential we have someone of Stephen’s calibre on board.

“He played a crucial role in the success of the 2021 Rugby League World Cup and he knows exactly what needs to be done.

“I’m delighted to welcome Stephen to Birmingham and look forward to working with him as we further implement our 10-year Major Sporting Events Strategy.”

Cherry Alexander, UKA’s Strategic Lead for Major Events, said: “We are delighted to welcome Stephen to this crucial interim Chief Operating Officer position ahead of Birmingham 2026.

“UK Athletics’ track record for staging major championships such as the hugely successful World Athletics and World Para Athletics Championships in London means we are excited towork with individuals who can help maintain this standard of world class delivery.

“We look forward to working with Stephen alongside the other partners to bring to life our vision for this Championships and ensure the sport of athletics is given an amazing platform in 2026.”

Esther Britten, UK Sport Head of Major Events, said: “The 2026 European Athletics Championships is a key part of UK Sport’s programme of mega events, building on the fantastic legacy of the 2022 Commonwealth Games and providing another opportunity for the British public to enjoy seeing the world’s best athletes in action.

“Stephen’s contribution to delivering a hugely successful Rugby League World Cup 2021 – an event that was truly world-leading in inclusivity and accessibility alongside a hugely successful social impact programme – stands him in good stead to take on this new position.

“Given that Stephen was part of UK Sport’s inaugural Event Leaders Programme, we are delighted that UK Sport’s investment into the UK’s major events network is continuing to develop the world’s best sporting event leadership.

“We look forward to working closely with Stephen, Birmingham City Council and UK Athletics to deliver an event that will deliver huge benefits for the city of Birmingham, the West Midlands region and the whole of the UK.”