Badminton Australia announces Chief Executive appointment

Badminton Australia has announced the appointment of Tjitte Weistra as its new Chief Executive.

Weistra - known as TJ - comes into the role with a comprehensive background in badminton leadership, strategy, development, events and stakeholder relations after more than 30 years in the sport as both a player and administrator.

Confirming the appointment, Badminton Australia President, Andrew Greenway stated “Weistra’s experience in badminton is going to ensure the sport continues to thrive in Australia whether at the grassroots level all the way through to our elite Falcons.

“We are thrilled to have TJ come onboard as the Chief Executive Officer as we enter a new chapter of growth in Australia.

“TJ’s history, knowledge and proven track record of success both on and off the court are going to be pivotal in helping guide and evolve our sport for the future.”

While TJ’s most recent role as Chief Executive at Badminton Victoria, he started in the sport in the 1990s as a representative player for The Netherlands before taking on a coaching role with the Peruvian Badminton Federation.

He then made the move to New Zealand as the Director of Coaching of the Waikato Badminton Association.

He later became the NZ National Coach and High Performance Manager, and led the teams to the 2006 Commonwealth Games (Melbourne), the 2008 Summer Olympics (Beijing), Thomas & Uber Cups finals and various World Junior Championships.

Looking forward to his new role, Weistra (pictured) stated “I’m very grateful for the opportunity to join Badminton Australia as Chief Executive Officer.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to have a lifelong involvement with badminton and I will bring my commitment to and passion for our amazing sport into this role as we continue to grow and build together to enhance badminton for everyone that has an affiliation with badminton in Australia, whether you are playing, coaching, officiating, administrating, supporting or volunteering.

“The growth of badminton in Australia is huge and we have some great opportunities and unique challenges ahead of us.

“I look forward to working very closely with our states and territories, the BA Board, and the BA staff to work tirelessly for the wider badminton community.”

Greenway thanked Clare Walker for her assistance in recent months as Badminton Australia’s acting Chief Executive, adding “Walker’s committed effort ensured our organisation continued to flourish as we head into a busy year ahead which includes major events such as the 2023 YONEX Ede Clendinnen Shield & National Championships to be held later this month.

“We are also excited to see Walker continue her role as Badminton Australia’s National Participation Manager.”

Weistra commences his new role on Thursday 4th May.