Rimla Akhtar OBE bridges global business and elite sport. A Guinness World Record Holder, she became the first Muslim and Asian woman on the FA Council in 2014. Recognized for her groundbreaking contributions, she was awarded an MBE in 2015 and an OBE in 2021.  With over 20 years in the sports industry across the UK, Middle East, and Asia, Rimla holds several boardroom roles. Ranked 14th in Forbes’ 2018 Most Powerful Women in Sport list and 19th in BBC Radio 4’s 2023 Women’s Power List for Sport, she has also captained Britain in futsal. As founder of the Muslim Women in Sport Network and RimJhim Consulting, Rimla champions inclusion and excellence in sport globally.