Joanne Deponio

Joanne is currently the Host Relations lead for UEFA EURO 2028 UK & Ireland. Following her role as General Manager for the bid, Joanne now leads the delivery of Host Relations in this unique partnership of five footballing nations and their respective Government Partners, including the relationship with the tournament’s Host Cities and the overarching delivery of the tournament’s social impact and sustainability programmes. The power of this partnership, and a UEFA EURO tournament, brings the exciting opportunity to stage the most accessible EURO ever, growing a more diverse and inclusive game and driving positive social impact for communities across the UK & Ireland.

Joanne has more than 25 years of professional experience delivering major international events in complex multi-stakeholder environments.  With a proven track record in leading large multi-disciplinary teams in high pressure operational environments, Joanne works to maximise benefits for host cities and sports through the power of events. With a background in national and local government, Joanne has previously held senior management positions for a range of international and multi-sport events, is an experienced board member and, undertook the role of General Team Manager for Team Scotland at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.