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The Board of Athletics Australia has announced the appointment of former Australian Sports Commission Chief Executive Simon Hollingsworth as its new Chief Executive Officer.

A dual Australian Olympian and Rhodes Scholar, Hollingsworth becomes the first Olympic track and field athlete to occupy the senior executive role at Athletics Australia, bringing a wealth of experience in sports administration, strategy, governance, commercial and financial management skills to the position.

His career includes 10 years with the Australian Sports Commission and more recently the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria.

Additionally, his background features more than 12 years in government central agencies including as Deputy Secretary at the Victorian Treasury, where he was responsible for overseeing delivery of the Victorian Budget and broader public sector financial management.

Announcing the appointment, Athletics Australia President, Jane Flemming stated “as an Olympian and someone who knows the Australian sporting landscape arguably better than most, we are thrilled to welcome Simon back to Athletics in an official capacity.

“Simon was selected from an outstanding field of candidates and his appointment is a testament to his proven leadership abilities, his understanding of sport and Athletics and his robust management skills. His strategic mindset and commitment to excellence make him the right person to lead our organisation forward as we continue down the road to the Brisbane 2032 Games.”

Flemming also acknowledged the work of incumbent Chief Executive Peter Bromley, who will work with Hollingsworth to ensure a smooth transition into the role before leaving after the Paris Olympics.

Fleming noted “Peter has done a sensational job, starting off as an interim CEO and guiding the organisation through the complexities of COVID, the Tokyo Games, reinvigorating our domestic season and seeing a true rise of Australian athletics in both popularity and performance.

“I’d like to congratulate him on his success and thank him for his contribution to our sport.”

Having been deeply involved in athletics since his retirement as an athlete, Hollingsworth is a former director of both Athletics Australia and Athletics Victoria, a local club office holder and former Chair of the Athletes’ Advisory Committee.

Taking on a new challenge of raising the bar of the sport he connects with most, Hollingswoth commented “it is a huge honour to be appointed to this role to help lead the sport. Athletics is arguably the most diverse, inclusive and international sport on the planet.

“Whether it be on the world stage at the Olympic and Paralympic Games, at the local athletic track or on the parks and footpaths around the nation, the ambition is to grow the sport, make it a welcoming community for anyone who wants to be involved and to make the most of opportunities that will come from the Brisbane 2032 runway.”

Hollingsworth will commence in the role in July.

Image: Simon Hollingsworth. Credit: Athletics Australia.

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