New Chair to head rebuilding of Swimming New Zealand

Wellington businessman Dr Brent Layton has been named as Swimming New Zealand's new Chairman.

Dr Layton, who led the establishment of the Electricity Authority, which he currently chairs, is expected to lead the rebuilding of Swimming New Zealand (SNZ) which was heavily criticized in independent review released earlier this year.

The review described SNZ as a dysfunctional national sports organisation and called for the entire board and Chief Executive to resign. Since then High Performance New Zealand singled out swimmers as one of the sports groups that underperformed at the London Olympics.

Announcing the appointment, SNZ appointment panel Chairman Chris Moller stated that Dr Layton has a wealth of experience in governance, leadership and change management, as well as passion for the sport of swimming.

Moller stated "I am delighted we have been able to secure Dr Layton's services for this important and critical position.

"He has a wealth of experience in governance, leadership and change management, and he also has a real passion for the sport of swimming.

"We are fortunate that he has the time available to commit to the considerable task of leading and rebuilding Swimming New Zealand and its relationship with stakeholders."

SNZ's appointments panel, established following the approval of a new SNZ constitution, consists of Moller, Sir John Anderson, Simon Perry and Horst Miehe.

Dr Layton will now join the panel to select up to five further directors of SNZ, of which three will be recommended to the regions for election and two will be appointed to the board.

Welcoming his appointment Dr Layton said he was looking forward to the challenge, adding "New Zealand swimmers show a tremendous amount of raw talent, technique and training effort. The job of Swimming New Zealand is to maximise all these qualities and foster a culture of winning in the sport."

Dr Layton, who was a competitive swimmer in his youth and held three New Zealand masters butterfly records, and the new board will take up their positions once the panel confirms the new directors, expected by the end of October.

Until then Sue Suckling continues as SNZ's governance administrator.