Former AFL club executive named new Chief Executive at Netball Australia

Netball Australia has named Kelly Ryan as its new Chief Executive, replacing Marne Fechner, who stepped down late last year to join AusCycling, with Ron Steiner holding the role on an interim basis for the past eight months.

With a marketing background, Ryan joins Netball Australia after holding positions with Gold Coast and Western Bulldogs AFL clubs and most recently at Melbourne’s  Marvel Stadium.

Netball Australia Chair Marina Go said Ryan had been chosen from a strong field of candidates and had impressing the selection panel with her “ambition for Australia’s number one participation sport.”

Ryan said she is looking forward to leading netball during such an important time of growth and change and is committed to ensuring the sport remains a leading sport for women, advising in a statement “I am honoured to be selected to lead netball at such an important time.

“Suncorp Super Netball is one of the best elite competitions in the world, grassroots netball is Australia’s number one participation code, and we’re on the brink of a new media rights partnership that will create so many new opportunities from community netball to the Origin Australian Diamonds.

“I am committed to the strategic direction of netball and look forward to working with our board and stakeholders to deliver strong opportunities for our game.

“Importantly, I’m the mother of two young daughters and am proud to now lead the sport with a mission to help young women and girls to shine by building their confidence and connecting their communities.”

Go went on to stated “Kelly comes to netball at a pivotal time in our sport’s development.

“While her experience and track record of leadership is impeccable, it is her drive and strategic ambition for netball that most excites us,” she said.

Go also thanked Steiner for his work as interim Chief Executive, adding “Ron could have just kept the ship steady while we found our new leader.

“Instead, he drove us forward, playing key roles in governance reform, our new Foxtel Group rights deal and the significant challenges of on-going COVID19 disruptions.”

Ryan will begin her new role with Netball Australia on 7th July.