QSport Appoints Shantel Netzler as CEO

QSport has announced the appointment of Shantel Netzler as its new chief executive officer. 

Netzler steps into the role after serving as Acting CEO for the past six weeks, building on her leadership in senior executive and governance roles since joining QSport in 2023.

Over the past year, she has played a key role in strengthening QSport’s strategic vision, expanding commercial partnerships, and enhancing engagement with more than 70 member organisations across the state.

Currently, Netzler is overseeing preparations for the 30th annual Queensland Sport Awards and Hall of Fame Induction, to be held on 27 November at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.

“It is an honour to lead QSport at such a critical juncture for sport in Queensland.” 

“Our members deliver big for their communities in a way that can be life-changing.

“My focus is on amplifying the voice of sport, building strong partnerships, improving sustainability, and ensuring every Queenslander has the opportunity to participate and thrive,” Ms Netzler said.

Praising her appointment ,QSport chair, Ben Callard, highlighted Netzler’s strategic leadership and collaborative approach.

“Shantel is an outstanding leader with deep industry knowledge, a proven record of organisational transformation, and a genuine commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive future for Queensland sport.” 

“Her ability to bring people together and deliver meaningful impact made her the ideal choice to guide QSport into its next chapter,” Callard said.

With a career spanning state and national sporting bodies, Netzler brings deep expertise in governance, participation growth, gender equity, commercial strategy, and high-performance pathways. Her appointment comes at an critical time for Queensland’s sporting landscape as preparations intensify for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

As the first woman of Samoan and Pacific heritage to lead QSport, her appointment also reflects the organisation’s commitment to representation and inclusion, ensuring that leadership pathways mirror the diversity of Queensland’s sporting community.

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