UEL appoints former world champion athlete as chair of governors

A former world karate champion has been appointed as the chair of governors at the University of East London (UEL).

Geoff Thompson MBE, who won 50 national and international titles in his sporting career, succeeds Mark Stephens CBE who steps down after eight years in the role.

Geoff is known as one of the country’s most respected sports administrators and youth activists.

A lifelong advocate of education, sport and culture for young people, he is also the founder of international charity Youth Charter.

The United Nations NGO uses the ethics of sport and artistic excellence to tackle the problems of anti-social behaviour and crime in some of the UK’s most troubled communities.

Geoff said: “It is an immense honour and responsibility to be appointed chair of governors at UEL.

“My life has been dedicated to unlocking young people’s potential and challenging injustice – values that are central to UEL’s mission.”