Hollingsworth OLY to take the reins at Athletics Australia

The Board of Athletics Australia is delighted to announce Simon Hollingsworth OLY 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 Athletics Australia CEO role, and brings a wealth of experience in sports administration, strategy, governance, commercial and financial management skills to the position.

Widely respected for his strategic and administrative skills, Hollingsworth’s distinguished career includes ten years as a CEO 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.

Athletics Australia President Jane Flemming OLY OAM said she was thrilled to be welcoming a CEO of his calibre as Australian athletics continues its journey towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“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,” Flemming said.

“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 CEO Peter Bromley, who will work with Hollingsworth to ensure a smooth transition into the role.

“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.

He now steps up to take on a new challenge of raising the bar of the sport he connects with most.

“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,” Hollingsworth said.

“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.

By Sascha Ryner, Athletics Australia
Posted: 16/5/2024