Netball New Zealand appoints new Chief Executive

The Board of Netball New Zealand (NNZ) has announced the appointment of Hilary Poole as the organisation's new Chief Executive.

Poole was the stand-out candidate from a number of strong applicants and replaces long-standing Chief Executive Raelene Castle.

NNZ Board Acting Chair John Bongard says the high calibre of applicants made for a difficult decision but Poole's combination of commercial background and sport governance experience meant she was best person for the job.

Bongard stated "we are absolutely delighted with the appointment of Hilary to lead Netball New Zealand into the next growth phase."

Poole has vast commercial, leadership and governance experience and has advised some of New Zealand's leading businesses in a range of industry sectors. She has been the Chief Executive of Hockey New Zealand and the Hockey Foundation since 2009 and was awarded the 2012 CK Doig Award for excellence in sporting leadership and has previously held senior roles at Bank of New Zealand, and GE Capital.

Poole will join both the Boards of Netball New Zealand and Trans-Tasman Netball Ltd (ANZ Championship).

Speaking of her appointment, Poole stated "I am hugely excited to be given the opportunity to lead Netball, it is such an important sport for New Zealand, and I look forward to the challenges this will bring."

The Netball New Zealand Board has appointed Malcolm Harris, who is currently their independent board member on Trans Tasman Netball Ltd as interim Chief Executive following Raelene Caste's departure to the Canterbury Bulldogs, until Poole starts her new role in early October.