Triathlon Australia (TA) CEO, Miles Stewart, has announced his departure from the organisation to take up a role as Abacus Property Group general manager.

Stewart, who spent six years leading Triathlon Australia, will remain an executive member of the World Triathlon board to maintain his involvement in the sport.

Triathlon Australia chair, Michelle Cooper, said the organisation will begin its search for its new CEO, with chief operating officer, Tim Harradine, to act as interim CEO in May when Stewart departs the organisation while the recruitment takes place.

“The TA Board wants to thank Miles [Stewart] for his six years of outstanding service and he leaves with our thanks and best wishes,” Cooper said.

“He has been a passionate part of our sport for more than 30 years and we know he will continue to add great value in the future.

“Miles joined the organisation as we emerged from significant financial volatility and was the right CEO for the phase of growth and development the sport has seen through his tenure.

“Much in the sporting landscape has changed and Miles provided important connections into the sport coupled with commercial acumen to chart the way forward.

“Throughout his time as the leader of our organisation, he has espoused the values we hold strongly: health, enjoyment, belonging, achievement, integrity and respect.

“He has led with passion and is held in high regard across the industry as a result.

“He had been instrumental in establishing the organisation’s future operating model which will see the centralisation of resources – people and finances – to better service members.

“He has been tireless in guiding TA through the two difficult years of COVID, maintaining a program of events and participation opportunities during the pandemic and we thank him for his energy and dedication to the role,” she said.

On his departure from the organisation, Stewart said he was looking forward to maintaining his involvement in the sport.

“I have already volunteered my time whilst in Montreal for the upcoming Sprint World Championships to support our Australian Age Group team and can’t wait to be on that side of the fence,” Stewart said.

“The CEO role has enabled me to return to the sport I love with the skills and experience I had gained in commercial roles, something not all former elite athletes are given the chance to do.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time leading the sport, am proud of the strong position the sport has achieved and I am excited about the opportunity to now move back into my other passion, property at a general manager level,” he said.