Niels now has over 20 years of director-level experience in the development and delivery of major international sporting events, dating back to when he joined the Organizing Committee of the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, England. There he was responsible for negotiating broadcasting contracts, ticketing, licensing, merchandising, and marketing activities. Following the success of the 2002 Commonwealth Games, Niels stayed in Manchester as CEO of Premiership Rugby Union franchise, Sale Sharks. In 2007, Niels joined UK Athletics and helped deliver medal success at London 2012. Following London 2012, Niels led an overhaul of the business side of UK Athletics, establishing a profitable in-house event and sponsorship business. During his tenure at UK Athletics Niels also served as Chief Executive of the Organizing Committees for the IAAF World Cross Country Championships, IAAF World Half Marathon Championships, IAAF World Indoor Championships, and IAAF World Athletics Championships in London. He was also heavily involved in the oversight of the 2012 London Olympics & Paralympics as an elected Board member and Audit Chairman of The British Olympic Association. In 2018, Niels left UK Athletics to set up his own specialist consultancy, Fabric Group Ltd, to advise brands, cities, and governments on better investments in sport, community, and charity—the Fabric of Society. In this role, he has advised numerous sporting events and governing bodies, most recently the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2022 World Athletics Championships, Oregon, USA.