Netball Australia Name Kelly Ryan CEO

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elly Ryan has been named the new chief executive officer of Netball Australia after impressing the selection panel with her “ambition for Australia’s number one participation sport.”

With 15 years experience in Australia’s sporting industry, Ryan has previously held executive roles with the Gold Coast Suns, Marvel stadium and the Western Bulldogs during their premiership winning season and the formation of the club’s AFLW side.

Ryan said she is looking forward to leading netball during such an important time of growth and change and is committed to ensuring the sport remains a leading sport for women.

“I am honoured to be selected to lead netball at such an important time,” Ryan said in a statement.

“Suncorp Super Netball is one of the best elite competitions in the world, grassroots netball is Australia’s number one participation code, and we’re on the brink of a new media rights partnership that will create so many new opportunities from community netball to the Origin Australian Diamonds.

“I am committed to the strategic direction of netball and look forward to working with our board and stakeholders to deliver strong opportunities for our game.

“Importantly, I’m the mother of two young daughters and am proud to now lead the sport with a mission to help young women and girls to shine by building their confidence and connecting their communities,” she said.

Netball Australia chair, Marina Go, said: “Kelly comes to netball at a pivotal time in our sport’s development.”

“While her experience and track record of leadership is impeccable, it is her drive and strategic ambition for netball that most excites us,” she said.

Go also thanked Ron Steiner for his work as interim CEO.

“Ron could have just kept the ship steady while we found our new leader,” Go said.

“Instead, he drove us forward, playing key roles in governance reform, our new Foxtel Group rights deal and the significant challenges of on-going COVID19 disruptions,” she said.

Ryan will begin her new role with Netball Australia on 7 July.