Donna Fraser, right, and Jonathon Riall, left, have been appointed by Commonwealth Games England to its Board of Directors ©CGE

World Athletics Woman of the Year Donna Fraser has joined the Board of Directors at Commonwealth Games England (CGE) following her appointment as chair of the organisation’s new Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee (ED&I).

Fraser, a double Commonwealth Games bronze medallist in the 400 and 4x400 metres relay at Kuala Lumpur 1998, was head of inclusion and engagement at Birmingham 2022.

She now holds a similar role as director at the Professional Cricketers' Association.

Fraser has also been a trustee, adviser and Board member for many organisations such as the London Marathon Charitable Trust, Women’s Sport Trust, British Athletes Commission, International Women’s Group and Her Spirit.

She was awarded the World Athletics Woman of the Year by the International Federation last November following the completion of her role at Birmingham 2022.

Donna Fraser won Commonwealth Games bronze medals at Kuala Lumpur 1998 in the 400m and 4x400m relay ©Getty Images
Donna Fraser won Commonwealth Games bronze medals at Kuala Lumpur 1998 in the 400m and 4x400m relay ©Getty Images

"I am thrilled and excited to be joining the Board of Commonwealth Games England," the 50-year-old from London said. 

"From competing for Team England, to working at Birmingham 2022 as head of engagement and inclusion, I am now looking forward to continuing the strides Commonwealth Games England have already made with ED&I."

Fraser has been joined at CGE as a non-executive director by Jonathon Riall, an expert in Paralympic sport, who will sit on the Sport and ED&I Committees.

Riall is currently leading performance services at the British Paralympic Association, having previously served as head coach for the Paratriathlon programme at British Triathlon.

"I am honoured to be joining the Board and being involved in the Sport, ED&I and Social Impact Committees and I’m really looking forward to progressing and building on Commonwealth Games England's commitment to Para sport as we look ahead to Victoria 2026," he said.

The appointments of Fraser and Riall follows the announcement earlier this week that Mark Osikoya replace Paul Blanchard as the new chief executive of CGE, with Ben Shepherd taking over as the chief operating officer.

Britain's former Paratriathlon head coach Jonathon Riall has joined Donna Fraser in being appointed to the Board of Directors at Commonwealth Games England ©LinkedIn
Britain's former Paratriathlon head coach Jonathon Riall has joined Donna Fraser in being appointed to the Board of Directors at Commonwealth Games England ©LinkedIn

"We have looked to introduce new talent to Board and our executive team, since the successful Birmingham Games last year," John Steele, who only took over as chairman of the CGE earlier this month, said.

"We are delighted to welcome both Donna and Jonathon onto the Board as we continue to strengthen our commitment to ED&I and shape our vision ahead of the Victoria 2026 cycle.

"Their experience and expertise will be a huge asset to Team England."