Netball Australia Chief Executive Kelly Ryan announces resignation

After leading Netball Australia through a tumultuous period, Kelly Ryan, the organisation's Chief Executive, has announced her resignation.

Ryan told the Netball Australia board of her decision this morning, having been at the helm during a lengthy public dispute with elite players over a new Collective Player Agreement and following the loss of almost $18 million in Federal Government funding after failing to provide a satisfactory business case to the Australian Sports Commission.

Joining Netball Australia in July 2021, Ryan’s time as Chief Executive also saw the fallout from the loss of sponsorship from mining company Hancock Prospecting and the governing body experience ongoing financial pressures.

In tendering her resignation, which is effective immediately, Ryan advised “having reached an in-principle agreement on the CPA pay deal, and watched with pride as our Diamonds won the Commonwealth Games and the Netball World Cup, the timing felt right to hand over the reins to a new leader.

“During my time as CEO I have delivered on the objectives of the Board. We overcame the challenges of coronavirus pandemic to continue a national competition through border closures, experienced strong growth in the national competition, grew netball’s already strong participation numbers and strengthened the games’ finances.”

“Netball Australia has a wonderful team of people who work tirelessly for the benefit of the sport, and I thank them for their continued efforts and for their support.”

Commenting on Ryan’s contribution to the governing body, Netball Australia Chair, Wendy Archer noted “Kelly Ryan has made an enormous contribution to our sport in her time leading Netball Australia.

“She has shown great resilience and integrity during her leadership over her time as CEO.”

Following Ryan’s departure, Netball Australia’s Executive General Manager Performance Stacey West has been appointed acting Chief Executive.

Image: Kelly Ryan. Credit: Netball Australia.