Kieren Perkins appointed as new Australian Sports Commission Chief Executive

Two-time Olympic gold medallist, Kieren Perkins, has been appointed as the Australian Sports Commission’s new Chief Executive, a role that will see Perkins oversee Sport Australia and the Australian Institute of Sport as Australian sport looks towards the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Sport Australia helps develop codes through collaboration with their national bodies and allocates money to grassroot sport while the Institute of Sport funds elite sport and works in conjunction with state-based institutes.

One of Perkins's biggest challenges will be to unite the two disparate arms of Australian sport - the grassroots and elite - but Perkin’s advised he is up for the challenge noting "my corporate experience gives me the business and relationship skills required to bring together the important stakeholders pivotal in ensuring sport flourishes.”

Perkins brings a wealth of corporate and sports administration experience to the role having recently served as the President of Swimming Australia and previously been a Commissioner of the Australian Sports Commission (2001-2007).

Announcing the appointment, Federal Minister for Sport Senator Richard Colbeck noted "we are delighted to have Mr Perkins lead the ASC at this pivotal time.

"As one of our greatest ever Olympians, Mr Perkins brings first-hand experience of high-performance sport, as well as an intrinsic understanding of the important role grassroots sport plays in the health and wellbeing of all Australians."

Perkins won gold medals in the 1,500 metres freestyle at the 1992 and 1996 Olympics and a myriad of other World Championship and Commonwealth Games gold medals during the 1990's when he was Australia's most celebrated Olympian and swimmer.                               

Perkins said he was excited to be stepping into the role of Chief Executive at the ASC and shared "I could not be more thrilled and honoured to be appointed to lead the ASC as Australian sport looks forward to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games. It's the most amazing opportunity to help shape participation and elite sport for Australia.

"The decade leading to 2032 is a generational opportunity to build a lasting legacy for all sport, in an environment that allows everyone involved to safely live all of the positive life experiences sport can bring."

Perkins will commence in the role in the first quarter of 2022 with a start date to be confirmed. In the interim, Rob Dalton will continue as acting Chief Executive. The Chief Executive of the Australian Institute of Sport, Peter Conde, will depart in January.

The last permanent Chief Executive of the Australian Sports Commission was Kate Palmer, who stepped down in January last year.

Images: Keiran Perkins (top) and (below, from left) Australian Sports Commission Chair, Josephine Sukkar, Kieren Perkins and Federal Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck at today's announcement.