Sport NSW welcomes three new directors to its Board

Sport NSW welcomes three new directors to its Board

Three experienced sport leaders have been elected to the Board of Sport NSW at the organisation's Annual General Meeting, held today at Sydney Olympic Park.

Madeleine Bowditch, James Hickman and Vireena Peacock were elected by Sport NSW members and will each serve a three-year term.

The new directors bring current experience leading State Sporting Organisations, along with deep governance, commercial and financial expertise.

They join the Board at a pivotal time for NSW sport, with a state election approaching and a home Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032.

Sport NSW Chair Chris Hall congratulated the new directors and said their experience would strengthen the Board's ability to represent and advocate for the sector.

"On behalf of the Board, I congratulate our three new directors and thank our members for their engagement in this election," Mr Hall said.

"Our new directors know first-hand the pressures facing sporting organisations, from stretched resources and volunteer sustainability to rising governance expectations. That practical, frontline perspective will be invaluable around the Board table.

"The next few years present a once-in-a-generation opportunity for sport in NSW. With a new CEO in Ellie Laing-Southwood now leading the organisation, together with a fresh Board, Sport NSW is well placed to be a strong voice for our members,” he said.

Mr Hall also thanked former directors David Sexton and Erin Lorenzini, who retired from the board since the last election, for their contribution to Sport NSW.

The new directors:

Madeleine Bowditch is the former Chair of Motorcycling NSW. As Chair, she led the organisation from a sustained deficit to a sustainable surplus and to recognition as a Tier 1 governance organisation. Madeleine has worked across risk, strategy and operations in the federal government and at Westpac and Macquarie. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds an MBA.

James Hickman OLY is CEO of Swimming NSW and a former Olympic swimmer. He has held board roles with British Swimming and the Greater Manchester Sports Partnership, and brings commercial and marketing experience from senior roles at Speedo, including Global Sponsorship Manager and Head of Marketing.

Vireena Peacock is CEO of Equestrian NSW and has more than 30 years of senior leadership experience across sport, manufacturing and logistics. Since 2022 she has led strategic planning, governance improvement and organisational change at Equestrian NSW. Vireena holds a Master of Education (Management), has completed AICD sports governance training, and is an active equestrian competitor.

ENDS

About Sport NSW

Sport NSW is the peak body for sport in New South Wales and The Voice of Sport for its member organisations. It advocates for the sector, supports State Sporting Organisations and promotes the value of sport to the people of NSW.

Further information: Ellie Laing-Southwood: 0416 007 830