It was a great privilege to photograph Fran Millar, a highly respected leader in the world of cycling, for this month’s Rouleur magazine edition dedicated to celebrating women and cycling. The portrait session took place at her home and produced a striking editorial image that complements the feature on her career, influence, and impact.
Capturing a Moment at Home
The portrait session with Fran Millar took place in the relaxed and personal setting of her house, allowing me to create imagery that communicates both her leadership presence and her authentic personality. Photographing subjects in their own environment often produces more intimate, expressive portraits that feel real and engaging. The resulting photograph was so well received that Fran’s own mother, moved by the image, asked for a personal copy, describing it as one of the best portraits she had seen of her daughter.
Fran Millar’s Career in Cycling Leadership
Fran Millar’s career in professional cycling leadership spans more than two decades and includes pivotal roles at the highest levels of the sport. She was a founding member of Team Sky, working behind the scenes from the very beginning in 2009, and was instrumental in building the organisation’s operations, values, culture, and strategic direction. Her work with Team Sky helped lay the foundation for the team’s unprecedented success, contributing to multiple Tour de France victories and establishing one of the most dominant squads in modern cycling history.
In 2019, Millar was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Team Ineos, the successor to Team Sky after the change in ownership. In this role, she was responsible for leading the team’s operational, governance and engagement systems, ensuring continuity of performance and culture at the highest level of the sport. Her leadership was notable not just for the results but for the depth of her experience across business operations, internal ethics, team culture and strategic planning.
A Woman in a Leadership Role in Elite Sport
Fran Millar’s leadership at Team Ineos was significant not only because of the team’s performance on the road but because her role represented a prominent example of a woman leading at the very top of elite sport. Cycling, especially at the WorldTour level, has historically been male‑dominated, and Millar’s achievements helped expand the visibility of women in executive roles within the sport. Her appointment as CEO was widely recognised as a milestone that showcased how women can lead high‑performance teams, shaping organisational direction, culture and ambition at the highest level.
Beyond her work with Team Sky and Team Ineos, Millar went on to become CEO of the British heritage brand Belstaff in 2020, applying her leadership experience in cycling to the world of global fashion and lifestyle brands. Her tenure at Belstaff involved leading strategic change, driving cultural evolution and positioning the brand for renewed growth and relevance.
The Cycling Family Connection
Fran Millar’s connection to elite cycling also comes through her family. Her older brother is former professional cyclist David Millar, one of Britain’s most recognised riders with a long career in international road racing. David’s career included stage wins in major tours and a powerful presence in the sport over many years, making the Millar family name familiar to cycling enthusiasts around the world.
Portrait Photography that Complements a Powerful Story
Photographing Fran Millar in her home was not just about creating a single striking image for Rouleur magazine, but about capturing a visual narrative that complements her powerful professional story. By focusing on natural light, environment and expression, I was able to produce a portrait that feels both confident and personal, aligning with the editorial tone of the feature and celebrating her achievements.
From her foundational influence in Team Sky and Team Ineos to her leadership at Belstaff and beyond, Millar’s career reflects not only professional excellence but also the expanding role of women in sport leadership. The portrait produced for Rouleur magazine adds a compelling visual dimension to this narrative, providing readers with a genuine look at a leader whose impact resonates throughout the cycling world and beyond.
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