FIFA announces Chief Executive for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023

World football governing body FIFA has announced that Dave Beeche has been appointed to oversee overall delivery of the Women’s World Cup 2023 in Australia and New Zealand.

With just over two years to go until the tournament kicks off, Beeche’s appointment as Chief Executive follows the recent Host Cities announcement and the appointment of FIFA Chief Operating Officers earlier this year.

Set to commence his new role as of 14th June, Beechewill lead the overall delivery of the tournament, together with the Chief Operating Officers, Jane Fernandez and Jane Patterson. 

Speaking on his appointment, Beeche noted “I am honoured and excited to be given the opportunity to lead the delivery of such a significant tournament, especially at a time when there is so much focus globally on the development of women’s sport and, more broadly, the empowerment of women.

“I look forward to working with both member associations and the Host Cities to not only deliver an outstanding tournament that showcases the world-class talent in women’s football, but leave a lasting positive legacy for women’s sport.”

Originally from New Zealand, Beeche has an accomplished track record as a senior executive in both Australia and New Zealand, with over 15 years’ experience leading high-profile commercial and non-profit organisations in the sports, events and tourism sectors.

The appointment represents another significant and exciting step forward in the preparations for the next FIFA Women’s World Cup and follows the recent announcement that a record ten stadiums and nine Host Cities across Australia and New Zealand will host matches during the tournament.

In his previous leadership roles and extensive experience delivering successful major sporting events in both host countries, Beeche has also shown a strong commitment to inspiring diverse, high-performing and geographically spread teams as well as developing female leaders in sport. This includes having worked alongside the current heads of the upcoming women’s rugby and cricket World Cups when he served as the Chief Executive of the Local Organising Committee for the FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015.

FIFA Secretary General, Fatma Samoura added “we are delighted to welcome Dave to the FIFA team to head up our newly created offices in Australia and New Zealand. The FIFA Women’s World Cup has gone from strength to strength with new levels being achieved on and off the pitch in France 2019. We are looking to continue this growth and set a new benchmark for this fantastic tournament in 2023 together with our hosts Australia and New Zealand.”

The FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 is the ninth edition of the FIFA Women's World Cup and will take place in Australia and New Zealand from 20th July to 20th August 2023. The tournament will also be the first edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup to feature 32 teams.