Sheldon has over 30 years experience in the sport and leisure industry. Having gained a Master of Science degree in Recreation Management at Loughborough University, Sheldon went on to work for a number of local authorities in England’s Northwest, primarily at a  senior level within sport and leisure departments.

In 1996, he was appointed as Regional Director of Sport England (NW) where he played a significant role within Sport England’s Senior Management Team which supported the delivery of the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002. Sheldon was also a Board Member of NW 2002 Partnership, the organisation which had strategic responsibility for the delivery of the multi-million pound legacy programme linked to the Commonwealth Games.

Sheldon’s current post, which he has held since 2003, is Head of Regional Major Events for the Northwest Regional Development Agency where he established a major events strategy for England’s Northwest – the first English region to do so. As well as helping to secure high profile events for the region, Sheldon also manages the Agency’s work to deliver the regional legacy from London 2012.