Silhouetted runners race at dawn with India Gate in the background.

About Us

Introducing John Eades

With over 35 years of experience in the UK and internationally, we deliver enhanced services, experiences, and lasting outcomes across sport, major events, and the third sector, supporting rights holders, host cities, venues, funders, and individuals 


"I have witnessed John's expertise in sports events management across various sports and 

With over 35 years of experience in the UK and internationally, we deliver enhanced services, experiences, and lasting outcomes across sport, major events, and the third sector, supporting rights holders, host cities, venues, funders, and individuals 


"I have witnessed John's expertise in sports events management across various sports and major international events for over 20 years, and his knowledge and professionalism have always impressed me. He is highly regarded by colleagues worldwide for his deep understanding of his role in sports. John's exceptional ability to unite people and maintain composure in high-pressure situations distinguishes him as a trusted professional who consistently delivers results when needed." 

Jon Doig OBE. Chief Executive Officer, Team Scotland


Man giving a presentation titled 'Day in the Life of a Chef De Mission'.

Introducing John Eades

Introducing John Eades

  • Worked with Sir Bobby Charlton CBE, gaining valuable experience across the international sports and events sector. 
  • C-Suite senior leadership roles on major sports championships and multi-sport events 
  • Premier League experience with Manchester United Football Club 
  • Established Swiss firm DAIMANI in the UK, showcasing entrepreneurial skills i

  • Worked with Sir Bobby Charlton CBE, gaining valuable experience across the international sports and events sector. 
  • C-Suite senior leadership roles on major sports championships and multi-sport events 
  • Premier League experience with Manchester United Football Club 
  • Established Swiss firm DAIMANI in the UK, showcasing entrepreneurial skills in the event hospitality sector 
  • Executive roles in the third sector with a strong commitment to social impact

Core Services

Core Services

Strategy    

Providing strategic guidance that enables clients to design and implement effective plans aligned to their goals. 


Operational Planning, Readiness and Delivery 

Supporting clients in creating robust operational plans that enhance preparedness, operational efficiency, aligns stakeholders and partners, and ensures successful event

Strategy    

Providing strategic guidance that enables clients to design and implement effective plans aligned to their goals. 


Operational Planning, Readiness and Delivery 

Supporting clients in creating robust operational plans that enhance preparedness, operational efficiency, aligns stakeholders and partners, and ensures successful event delivery. 


Feasibility, Bids and Contracts  

Advising on feasibility assessments, bid development, guidance through contractual processes, enabling clients to secure hosting rights.


Building a Business Case  

Working with clients on stakeholder engagement,  and integration strategies that strengthen collaboration and delivery across partnerships. 


Evaluation, Assessment and Review  

Effective bid analysis and continuous operational helps organisations enhance delivery performance and maximise legacy impact.

Experience

Major Events

Major Events

  • Bobby Charlton International Ltd  
  • Byrom PLC
  • 1996 Asian Football Cup
  • 1997 Ryder Cup
  • 1997 Fifa World Youth Championship 
  • 8 x Commonwealth Games
  • Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation
  • 5 x Commonwealth Youth Games 
  • Manchester United Foundation 
  • Daimani AG
  • Strategic Advisor - Reporters' Academy 
  • UK Sport Preferred Associate
  • University Associate Lecturer
  • Strategic Advisor - Glasgow 2026 




Large illuminated sign welcoming to Alexander Stadium at night.

Major Events

Major Events

Major Events

"John Eades has been for many years, and continues to be, a bona fide leader in the international major events sector, in both planning and delivery.  His record of significant achievements speaks for itself, strategically, operationally, and tactically. John has played a pivotal role in advising, assuring, and evaluating numerous bids to

"John Eades has been for many years, and continues to be, a bona fide leader in the international major events sector, in both planning and delivery.  His record of significant achievements speaks for itself, strategically, operationally, and tactically. John has played a pivotal role in advising, assuring, and evaluating numerous bids to host major international events.”  

Neil Fergus ASM. CEO, Intelligent Risks Pty Ltd 

Trinidad & Tobago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games legacy programme.

Winning Bids

Major Events

Winning Bids

"I have worked with John for over 15 years now and during that time it is clear that his outstanding contributions and dedication to excellence have had a significant impact on Trinidad & Tobago's participation in multi-sport events. His strategic support and problem-solving skills have ensured that athletes and team officials have had me

"I have worked with John for over 15 years now and during that time it is clear that his outstanding contributions and dedication to excellence have had a significant impact on Trinidad & Tobago's participation in multi-sport events. His strategic support and problem-solving skills have ensured that athletes and team officials have had memorable experiences at various competitions over the years. 


His expertise and attention to detail were crucial in supporting my team secure the hosting rights for the Commonwealth Youth Games which took place in 2023, showcasing his ability to lead successful bid processes. John's collaborative approach and ability to provide key insights undoubtedly played a vital role in the success of the bid. His commitment to excellence, the professionalism displayed in all that he does and the ability to navigate high pressure situations make him a valuable asset in the sports industry.”  

Brian Lewis. President of the Trinidad & Tobago Olympic Committee (2013-2022) & Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (2016-2022)

Strategy

Excellence & Trust

Strategy

“John is a strategic leader with a passion for delivering major sporting events safely and securely. He used these qualities in building a successful partnership between Manchester United Foundation and Greater Manchester Police to deliver a programme diverting some of our most vulnerable young people away from the threat of serious harm 

“John is a strategic leader with a passion for delivering major sporting events safely and securely. He used these qualities in building a successful partnership between Manchester United Foundation and Greater Manchester Police to deliver a programme diverting some of our most vulnerable young people away from the threat of serious harm and violence associated with gang violence.”

Ian Hopkins QPM. Chief Constable,
Greater Manchester Police (2015-2020)

Leadership

Excellence & Trust

Strategy

“I worked with John during my time as Communications Director at Manchester United. 

John consistently demonstrated highly effective leadership in his role at the Manchester United Foundation, successfully advancing the organisation’s mission by cultivating employee advocacy and enabling staff across the club to become ambassadors for its 

“I worked with John during my time as Communications Director at Manchester United. 

John consistently demonstrated highly effective leadership in his role at the Manchester United Foundation, successfully advancing the organisation’s mission by cultivating employee advocacy and enabling staff across the club to become ambassadors for its community impact across Greater Manchester.”

Charlie Brooks. Director of Communications, Manchester United (2018-2022)

Indian women cricketers celebrating a wicket against Pakistan in an international T20 cricket match.

Excellence & Trust

Excellence & Trust

Excellence & Trust

  “At the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games John provided valuable expertise and guidance to ensure the smooth delivery of essential services to athletes, team officials and dignitaries. His responsibility was to advise the senior leadership team and functional area managers on crucial deliverables such as team arrivals & departures, ope

  “At the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games John provided valuable expertise and guidance to ensure the smooth delivery of essential services to athletes, team officials and dignitaries. His responsibility was to advise the senior leadership team and functional area managers on crucial deliverables such as team arrivals & departures, opening & closing ceremonies, athletes village operations, sports management, safeguarding, transportation and VIP protocols.

Key to his role was anticipating and addressing logistical challenges, co-ordinating with different stakeholders and ensuring that the event met high standards of efficiency, safety and hospitality. 

All essential for enhancing the overall experience for participants and attendees while upholding the prestige of the Commonwealth Games.”

Charles Quelch. Executive Director of Games Operations, Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee 

Contact John

Send Message

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Winning Steps Ltd

Winning Steps Ltd is incorporated under the Companies Act 2006 as a private company limited by shares, with its registered office in England and Wales (company number 15454515). 

Expert event management for international sporting events.

Copyright © 2026 Winning Steps Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Powered by

  • Privacy Policy

This website uses cookies.

We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

DeclineAccept