Bowls Australia names Matthew Kennedy as new Chief Executive

Experienced sports executive Matthew Kennedy has been confirmed as Bowls Australia’s new Chief Executive.

Joining Bowls Australia, Kennedy boasts considerable experience within the sporting industry, both globally and within Australia, with a proven pedigree of strategic leadership and success in senior sports management roles.

Most recently, Kennedy held the position of Chief of Sport Performance at Swimming Australia for a period of close to three years, following on from an eight-year tenure as the Chief Executive of Tennis Victoria, more than a decade with the International Cricket Council including seven years abroad in London and Dubai as its Global Development Manager, and over seven years at Cricket Victoria.

Noting that Kennedy was a standout candidate and had thoroughly impressed during the interview process, Bowls Australia President Bob Boorman stated “Matthew is an impressive individual and has a proven record of leadership and growth within the Australian sporting landscape as an experienced CEO and senior executive of significant and complex sports organisations.

“We are confident that Matthew has the capabilities and vision to take the sport of Bowls in Australia to new levels across all areas, from community and grassroots through to high performance.”

Advising that he is appreciative of the opportunity to lead a sport that is intrinsically Australian, with a vast community footprint and steeped in success on the international arena, Kennedy stated “I commend everyone involved in making bowls what it is today across the nation and am thrilled and honoured to accept the role.

“I look forward to working with the Board and team of staff and with the State and Territory Bowls Associations, along with all of the sport’s supporters and stakeholders.

“Together we can deliver against the recently launched strategic plan for Australian bowls to be as strong and vibrant as possible, and a sport for everyone.”

Kennedy (pictured) will commence with a handover from outgoing Chief Executive Neil Dalrymple from 7th November.

Dalrymple will finish with Bowls Australia on 30th November and begin his new position as Chief Executive of World Bowls as of 1st December.

Matthew Kennedy’s career background:

• Chief of Sport Performance - Swimming Australia (2019-2021)
• CEO - Tennis Victoria (2011-2018)
• Board Director - Music Victoria (since 2015)
• Victorian Sports Administrator of the Year, VicSport (2015)
• Global Development Manager - International Cricket Council, based in London and then Dubai (2004-2010)
  - also ICC East Asia - Pacific Regional Development Manager (2000-2003)
• Community Cricket Manager - Cricket Victoria (1998-2000)
  - also Special Projects, Marketing & Administration, and Accounting Officer (1993-1997)

With thanks to Aidan Davis.