Grant McKavanagh resigns as Chief Executive of New Zealand Football

New Zealand Football has announced that it has accepted the resignation of Chief Executive Grant McKavanagh.

After over two years in the role, McKavanagh has decided to take a short break from sports administration.

Explaining his achievements while in the role, McKavanagh stated "I have really enjoyed and thrived in this role and I am proud of my part in the continuing development of the Whole of Football programme, the renewed partnership and strategy development with the Federations and the rise of Women's Football and Futsal.

"Maintaining the organisation's financial surpluses and the international programs and Olympic successes are other highlights.

"The last two years has seen New Zealand Football evolve quite dramatically with new structures and processes put in place, and going forward I feel the next period of evolvement for NZ Football requires a different skill set than mine to deliver the next cycle of development.

"Having also finalized the venue and structure for the Intercontinental Playoff in November, the time is right for me now to step aside."

New Zealand Football Chairman Frank van Hattum on behalf of the board and New Zealand Football thanked McKavanagh for his commitment, his enthusiasm and his passion, stating "football and indeed sport management is a complex and difficult area to work in with many competing stakeholders, the inevitable struggle for sustainable funding and resources and a large agenda.

"Grant has maintained the agenda and strategy development over the last two and half years. The continuation of the whole of Football programme, the rise of Futsal and women's football, the games commitment to a new three year strategy plan and maintaining New Zealand Football's modest surpluses are all areas that Grant can take pride in. "

McKavanagh will cease his duties as Chief Executive on the 12th July with Mark Aspden to take on the role of interim Chief Executive until the process of appointing a new Chief Executive has been concluded.

A commercial lawyer, Aspden is currently a partner of Harrison Stone Lawyers and has previously worked in management roles in law, telecommunications and home care.

From the mid 1970s, Aspden played football for North Otago and then in Dunedin and Auckland. He currently coaches an 11th grade team at Western Springs AFC.

Appointed to the Auckland Football Federation Board in 2003, Aspden chaired that Board from 2006 to 2008. He joined the New Zealand Football Board in January 2008 and was reappointed for a further four years at the May 2013 Congress.

As interim Chief Executive Aspden will take a leave of absence from the Board until a new Chief Executive has been appointed.