Dr. Iain Lindsay
Global Chief Operating Officer, Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA)
As SIGA’s Global Chief Operating Officer, Iain plays an integral role in the development and expansion of SIGA, the world`s largest coalition for sport integrity. He is a member of the SIGA Executive Committee and reports directly to the Global CEO on a variety of matters, including but not limited to global research, training and capacity building programmes. He plays a key role in the design, development and implementation of global projects, edits the Sport Integrity Journal and is responsible for a range of thought leadership outputs and initiatives. Across all of these he works closely with the SIGA global partners and wider network, and provides insight and strategic advice in relation to the development and implementation of SIGA deliverables.
Iain has recently overseen the succesful application for Erasmus+ funding to design and launch The Sport Transparency Index. This project, which began in 2023, will create the means to benchmark Sport against a set of Transparency Indicators and will provide the platform for knowledge exchange to enhance Integrity and Transparency accross Sport.
Iain Lindsay joined SIGA in 2019 after holding leadership roles in Global Sport Organisations. He holds a BSc, MSc and PhD and is an award-winning, multi-published author that has led and been involved in a diverse array of Sport related research projects and presented extensively on the international conference circuit.
Iain is also a member of the UNESCO Chair on Governance and Social Responsibility in Sport Steering Committee.
Nuno Perestrelo
Senior Director of Communication, Media & Thought Leadership Events
Nuno Perestrelo is a distinguished former senior journalist with nearly three decades of experience in sports journalism and leadership positions at prominent Portuguese newspapers. Transitioning to SIGA in 2021, Nuno embraced the mission of reforming sport with integrity. As Senior Director, he is responsible for internal and external communication, content production, press relations, media advisory, events management and production, and the development of the Media Partners project. Nuno plays a key role in promoting and organizing SIGA’s thought leadership events, including the Summit on Female Leadership, Sport Integrity Week, and the Expert Summit on Global Leadership and Anti-Corruption in Sport.
With extensive experience covering major sports events such as UEFA Euro 2004, FIFA World Cup 2006, and the Olympic Games in London (2012) and Rio de Janeiro (2016), Nuno brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise. He holds certifications in “Communication in Football” from ISCTE – Instituto Universitário de Lisboa and Portugal Football School (Portuguese FA). He holds a Certificate of Pedagogical Competences (CCP), and is a Portuguese certified training provider.
Filipe Guimarães
Senior Director of Business Development and Partnerships
Filipe brings over 18 years of expertise in strategic growth and international expansion. Fluent in five languages, he excels in driving business development initiatives that elevate brand presence and foster global partnerships, thereby increasing both revenue and positioning. Known for his creative and strategic thinking, Filipe is adept at developing innovative solutions to address complex business challenges.
With a robust background in Brand & Project Management, Innovation, and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Filipe has successfully led transformative projects across diverse industries, including FMCG, Tourism, FDI, Technology, and Place Branding. In the sports sector, he has collaborated with prestigious organizations such as Liga Portugal, Internazionale Milano, SL Benfica, and the European Professional Football Leagues (EPFL). His work with these entities has sharpened his skills in creating growth strategies, enhancing brand value, and maximizing operational efficiencies. These experiences have honed his ability to deliver exceptional value, leveraging strategic insights to foster innovation and long-term success.
At SIGA, Filipe leverages his extensive experience and global network of contacts to build strategic alliances and propel the company’s mission forward in the dynamic world of sports. His strategic insights and unwavering commitment to excellence ensure that SIGA Sports continues to lead and innovate within the global sports industry.
Vinicius Sousa
Senior Director of International Cooperation & Strategic Partnerships (Americas), SIGA Global
Senior Director of Institutional Relations and Strategic Partnerships, SIGA LATIN AMERICA
Vinicius Sousa plays a crucial role in SIGA LATIN AMERICA’s and SIGA’s operations, focusing on governance, stakeholder engagement, and promoting Sport Integrity.
Holding a master’s degree in political action and a bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Vinicius has garnered significant experience with international organizations and public service. He has worked with the European Union Delegation to Brazil and the International Policy Centre for Inclusive Growth. As an adviser to the São Paulo City Hall, he was recognized for his contributions to personnel planning and recruitment innovations. Vinicius’s advocacy consulting experience has equipped him to support national and international organizations in promoting political and systemic changes.
In the field of institutional relations, Vinicius facilitates stakeholder engagement across civil society, government, and business sectors.
Francisco Melo
Chief of Global CEO’s Cabinet and Head of Administration and Membership Affairs
Francisco Melo is a dedicated professional with a strong background in law, holding a bachelor’s degree from Universidade Católica do Porto and a postgraduate qualification in Management and Organization in Professional Football. His passion lies in Sport Integrity and Governance, focusing on promoting transparency and ethical practices within professional sports.
Francisco was appointed Chief of Global CEO’s Cabinet and Head of Administration and Membership Affairs following a career kick-off as Executive Assitant to the Executive Committee, and a successful internship at SIGA. He is committed to advancing the principles of integrity and governance in the sports industry, utilizing his legal expertise and administrative acumen to support SIGA’s mission.