The New Zealander was announced as the replacement for David Grevemberg in August after the American stepped down in March.

Her first day in her new role was today, and it will be all systems go leading up to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games next year.

Finding a venue for the 2026 edition will also be a key priority as the CGF currently has no host city less than five years away from the Games.

Sadleir was the general manager for the women's game at World Rugby and becomes the first female chief executive of the CGF.

Both of the key positions at the organisation are now held by women, as Dame Louise Martin is the CGF chair.

A former athlete, Sadleir represented New Zealand in artistic swimming at the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

She won a bronze medal in the women's solo event at the 1986 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh.

At the Victoria 1994 Commonwealth Games, Sadleir was New Zealand's deputy Chef de Mission.

She helped establish the New Zealand Academy of Sport network later that decade, before becoming general manager of Sport and Recreation New Zealand - now known as Sport New Zealand - from 2000 to 2006.

Martin Reynolds has been acting as the CGF's executive director since Grevemberg departed.

Sadleir joins at a time of change for the Commonwealth Games, which is approaching its centenary in 2030.

Last month, the CGF announced that its event would become more flexible, with athletics and swimming the only compulsory sports.

There is also the possibility of spreading the Games around in different cities and countries.

Grevemberg had been CGF chief executive since November 2014.

He has since joined the Centre for Sport and Human Rights as its chief innovation and partnerships officer.