Basketball Australia, Rana Hussain Added to Board of Directors

Basketball Australia has taken a significant step towards enhancing its commitment to diversity and inclusion with the appointment of Rana Hussain to its Board of Directors.

This move is complemented by the re-election of Damian Armour as deputy chair, ensuring stability within the leadership team.

Commenting on the importance of these developments, chair of Basketball Australia’s Board, John Carey, said: “Rana brings a wealth of experience as a champion of change, having collaborated with numerous sporting organisations to promote diversity and inclusion.”

“Her expertise will align closely with our strategic objectives, and we eagerly anticipate her contributions to the organisation.

“Damian’s re-election reflects our positive relationship with our members.

“Stability at the board level is crucial, and his reappointment enhances our focus on financial stability and improvement, which are critical to our mission,” Carey mentioned.

Head of women at Basketball Australia, Lauren Jackson AO OLY, shared: “Rana Hussain’s leadership is a testament to the impact of diverse voices in creating inclusive sports environments.”

“Her influence will encourage women and girls to perceive themselves as leaders in our sport.

“Her dedication to equity and cultural understanding is essential for driving transformative change within Basketball Australia.

“By prioritising representation and safe spaces, we can empower women and girls in basketball,” Jackson remarked. 

Hussain brings a strong background in social inclusion to her new role and has established herself as a leader in this field through her consultancy, Good.Human.

She has made a significant impact within various organisations, including Cricket Australia, Richmond and Collingwood Football Clubs, as well as global brands like Nike and Puma.

Hussain’s appointment and Armour’s re-election signal a broader leadership expansion for Basketball Australia.

On another note, recent additions to the board include Clinton Benjamin and Dr Sarah Gardiner, both bringing distinct expertise to the organisation.

Benjamin, with his connections to the Yawuru, Bardi, and Jika peoples from Western Australia, offers valuable insights from a First Nations perspective. He currently serves as director of Native Title at the National Native Title Council and has a history as a professional athlete in the AFL.

Dr. Sarah Gardiner, a professor in Business and Director of the Griffith Institute for Tourism, also joins the board and brings expertise in marketing, consumer behaviour, and data analytics, combined with a lifelong connection to basketball in Queensland’s Gold Coast.

Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today!