Invictus Horizons: The Invictus Games Foundation Welcomes New CEO and Celebrates Major New Multiyear Partnership at London Event
London, 10th September— The Invictus Games Foundation (IGF) today hosted Invictus Horizons at the iconic Gherkin in London, an inaugural event marking a new chapter for the international movement supporting wounded, injured and sick (WIS) service personnel and veterans through the power of sport.
The Duke of Sussex, Founder and Patron of the Foundation, addressed an audience of supporters, partners, and community members, emphasising the responsibility and opportunity of the Invictus Movement as it enters its second decade:
“This is what Invictus does best: it catalyses change. It shows what is possible when courage is met with opportunity, and when recovery is supported by respect and community. That is why tonight is so important. Because as proud as I am of our first decade, I know the next decade matters even more.”
The event introduced Rob Owen OBE as the Foundation’s new Chief Executive Officer. Rob Owen, who joined the Foundation earlier this year, brings decades of leadership experience in social impact and veterans’ support, reaffirmed the Foundation’s mission:
“It is a privilege to lead an organisation with such strong foundations and extraordinary potential to change lives. Our vision is a world where no wounded, injured or sick service person or veteran is left without the opportunity to recover, rebuild and thrive through the power of sport and community. That’s why we’ve launched our new strategy today to catalyse systemic change across a growing international movement; focus our resources where the need is greatest, while also strengthening the community we have proudly served over the past ten years.”
Alongside the reveal of the strategic direction, the Foundation proudly unveiled ATCO Ltd., a global leader in energy, housing and defence, as a new multi-year partner. ATCO’s support began as co-Presenting Partner of the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, alongside Boeing, who are also the Lead Global Partner of the Invictus Games Foundation. ATCO is now coming on board to support the Invictus Games Foundation’s year - round programming internationally, as well as the lead sponsor for next year’s inaugural Invictus Spirit Awards. ATCO, headquartered in Calgary, Canada, is also a proud sponsor of Team Canada at the Invictus Games.
To be able to build awareness and support for the Invictus Games Foundation and to celebrate the remarkable personal sacrifices of unconquered Invictus champions is a modest gesture of our deep appreciation to the women and men who are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect democratic freedoms.
Nancy Southern ATCO Chair and CEO
“The people of ATCO stand shoulder to shoulder in honouring the dedicated active and veteran service members who have allowed us to be part of their Invictus journey.”
Since its inception in 2014, the Invictus Games Foundation has grown into a truly global community, spanning 25 nations across every continent. Beyond the biennial Invictus Games — with Birmingham set to host in 2027 and bidding underway for 2029 — the Foundation drives year-round impact through initiatives that:
- Support sports recovery in countries such as Nigeria, where Chief of Defence General Musa is leading the way in building Africa’s first dedicated Armed Forces Invictus Centre for sports recovery.
- Strengthen international policy and recognition, as seen in Germany’s inaugural Veterans’ Day in 2025, shaped by the legacy of the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023.
- Provide resilience and recovery programmes in Ukraine, where sport has become a central part of their Veterans Policy despite the ongoing conflict and its role in recovery recognised as one of vital importance.
The event also brought together representatives from host nations past, present and future, including the team delivering Birmingham 2027 and delegates preparing bids for the Invictus Games 2029. Their shared presence underscored the Foundation’s role as a unique convenor of military, political, sporting, and community leaders.
The event today comes off the back of the Foundation’s inclusion in the inaugural African Chiefs of Defence Summit in Nigeria two weeks ago, outlining the way in which more nations are encouraged to consider how sport for recovery is embedded within their nations as part of a rehabilitation pathway post-injury or illness.
As the Invictus Games Foundation looks toward the next decade, its work will be guided by four strategic pillars: catalysing systemic change, growing the movement, focusing resources where the need is greatest, and maintaining support for its community.
“Together, we are Invictus,” said Rob Owen. “Together, we can ensure that those who have given so much in service to others are never left behind.”
About the Invictus Games
The Invictus Games Foundation was established in 2014 by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, following the inaugural Invictus Games in London.
The next Invictus Games will take place in Birmingham in 2027. The Invictus Games 2029 shortlist will be unveiled at the end of this year.
- Other sponsors of the Invictus Games Foundation are American Airlines, Better Up, Boeing, Brigantes, Clifford Chance and Monster.
- More information about the Invictus Games Foundation and its programmes can be found at www.invictusgamesfoundation.org.