Kelly Ryan has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Netball Australia, replacing Marne Fechner who stepped down from the role last year, and Ron Steiner who held the role for eight months on an interim basis.
A former AFL executive, Ryan has extensive leadership experience in sport, including with the Gold Coast SUNS and the Western Bulldogs clubs. Most recently, she was an executive member of Marvel Stadium in Docklands, which won the International Stadium of the Year.
Marina Go, the Chair of Netball Australia, said Ryan was chosen for the role from a strong field of candidates. Her clarity of vision, and ambition for netball had stood out to the selection panel.
Ryan is a former ALF executive, and has extensive leadership experience within the Australian sporting industry, across commercial, customer experience, operations, and consumer business.
“Kelly comes to netball at a pivotal time in our sport’s development,’’ Go said. ‘’While her experience and track record of leadership is impeccable, it is her drive and strategic ambition for netball that most excites us.’’
After an exhaustive search for its new leader, Netball Australia is delighted to announce that Kelly Ryan has been appointed the role of Chief Executive Officer.
— Netball Australia (@NetballAust) June 8, 2021
Full details – https://t.co/pzEx3Xlkgt pic.twitter.com/ELIB4rSteS
Ryan said she was excited to have been appointed chief executive at such an important time of change and growth for netball.
“I am honoured to be selected to lead netball at such an important time,” she said.
‘’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.”
Ryan said she is committed to the strategic direction of netball, and wants to work with the board and stakeholders to deliver strong opportunities for the game.
“Importantly, I’m the mother of two young daughters and am proud to now lead a sport with a mission to help young women and girls to shine by building their confidence and connecting their communities.’’