Hockey Queensland CEO Alison Lyons Steps Down After Six-Year Term

The Board of Hockey Queensland has formally accepted the resignation of chief executive officer, Alison Lyons, who is departing the organisation on 30 January 2026 to take a new position with the AFL.

Lyons leaves after a six-year tenure marked by significant operational reform and commercial growth, positioning Hockey Queensland for its next phase leading up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Reflecting on her step-down, Lysons, noted: “It has never just been about results, it’s been about doing things the right way, for the long term.”

She confirmed the success of the commercial program included restoring financial strength, lifting community engagement, and building stronger pathways for players, coaches, and officials.

Her move to the AFL, a larger and globally recognisable sporting body, underscores the high-value executive talent developed within the organisation.

In response to the transition, the board has immediately engaged a specialist recruiter to find a new CEO with the vision, experience and strategic capability to drive Hockey Queensland through to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

This focus signals the high-stakes importance of the next CEO appointment, whose mandate will be heavily centred on capitalising on the 2032 momentum.

Lyons’ leadership during this critical period was pivotal, successfully achieving financial sustainability and commercial growth while overseeing major operational transformation.

In addition, she was instrumental in advocating for and securing the Brisbane 2032 hockey venue plan, a major strategic win that secures the sport’s profile and infrastructure legacy in the state.

Her work has ensured the organisation is in excellent shape—financially, operationally and culturally.

To ensure stability, general manager of operations, Marc Wittmann, will step up to lead the organisation during the transition.

The Board is committed to maintaining continuity, ensuring all strategic initiatives and programs, including those established under Lyons’ successful tenure, will continue uninterrupted, maintaining the corporate honour and stability required during the executive search.

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