Chief Executive Resignation Announcement
Athletics New Zealand Board Chair Annette Purvis announced today that Chief Executive Linda Hamersley has tendered her resignation and will leave the role in September 2017.
The Board received the resignation with much disappointment but understand Hamersley’s need to move back to Australia to join her husband Colin Batch who was recently appointed as the Australian Men’s Hockey Coach.
“It was a difficult decision to make as I have enjoyed working with the staff and key stakeholders. Athletics is enjoying such a positive profile and engagement, and it is difficult to walk away from that”, said Hamersley.
“We are looking strong for the Tokyo Olympiad and we are close to embarking on new corporate partnerships that will continue to increase our profile and, most importantly, provide tangible benefits back to our Members.”
The early resignation affords the Athletics New Zealand Board an extended notice period which will allow a well-planned recruitment process to engage a new Chief Executive and ensure a smooth transition. The time through to September will enable Hamersley to communicate with the sport on the recently adopted new five-year Strategic Plan and ensure the new structures are embedded through the organisation supporting a smooth transition for the incoming Chief Executive.
Purvis was very positive about Hamersley’s contribution to the sport in her tenure in the role.
“The Board acknowledges the hard work and success Linda has achieved since joining Athletics New Zealand in June 2014. She has overseen considerable improvements within the organisation and under Linda’s leadership Athletics has seen a revitalisation”, she said.
“Our National office enjoys improved member relationships as the team strive to deliver to and better understand our members’ needs. We have grown the member benefits programme, and the membership marketing drive post the Rio Olympics, is a recent example of Linda’s desire to see value delivered to our members from their National office.
Linda has also been a strong supporter of the High Performance team and their strategy which saw much success at the recent Olympics. Her ability to engage with key stakeholders, for example the centre and club roadshow in early 2016 and regular regional meetings with Athletics NZ Board members and local clubs and centres, shows her skills in bringing people together in a consultative manner, which has reaped really positive outcomes for the sport”.
The Board will commence the recruitment process in the next weeks.
Media Release via Athletics New Zealand @AthleticsNZ
