Helen Helliwell, CEO Invictus Games UK 2027
Helen is the CEO of the Invictus Games 2027 and Chief Executive of Invictus UK 2027 Ltd, leading the team to deliver the Games at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham in the summer of 2027 and to develop impact and legacy programmes across the UK.
Prior to this role, Helen held the position of Director Armed Forces People Policy in the Ministry of Defence from February 2019. The portfolio was responsible for the strategies and policies to ensure we attract, retain and sustain a sufficient, capable and motivated Armed Forces through the provision of world class enabling HR policies across health, wellbeing and welfare; accommodation strategy and standards; Armed Forces remuneration; children, young people and families; and support to serving personnel and families through the lens of the Armed Forces Covenant. Helen has been involved in three Invictus Games, two of those were Head of Delegation for Team UK.
Prior to becoming CEO, and whilst Director in the MOD, Helen led the bid team to secure the Invictus Games for 2027. Helen was the inaugural Chair of Trustees for the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (2017-2024), and the Defence Mental Health Champion (2020- 2024).
Helen is a career Senior Civil Servant who joined the Ministry of Defence in 2001; she has held roles in finance, policy, strategy, programme management, HR and ops, across Defence, the Ministry of Justice and the Dept for International Development. In her early career, Helen also enjoyed time as a Royal Navy Reservist (Medical Branch); she is currently the Chair of Governors at The Sele School Hertford. Helen has a BSc (Hons) in Physiology and Pharmacology; is a fellow member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development and holds the Diploma of Chartered Director with the Institute of Directors.
When not working, Helen enjoys spending time with her family and escaping for year-round swims in the local rivers, lakes and canals.