In a media release issued today, Swimming Australia has advised that Eugenie Buckley has tendered her resignation as CEO to take up opportunities outside of the sport.
Buckley’s immediate departure comes after just 18 months in the role and 18 months out from the 2024 Paris Olympics and following the announcement last December of an independent review following a breakdown in communication between key stakeholders.
The Swimming Australia Board will shortly commence a global search for a new CEO. In the interim Steve Newman, existing Executive General Manager Corporate, will be acting CEO.
The Swimming Australia statement read: “The Board would like to sincerely thank Ms Buckley for her time over the past 18 months, in a critical period for Swimming Australia.
“Under her leadership, Ms Buckley has successfully reintroduced the Duel in the Pool against Team USA with a world first integrated able bodied and para relay, hosted the first FINA World Championships in 15 years, returned swimming to free to air television, launched Deadly Little Dolphins and signed a suite of corporate sponsors.”
Michelle Gallen, President of Swimming Australia said: “Eugenie has steered the organisation through the significant challenges of a corporate restructure and improving our financial position.
She leaves us in a strong position to move forward, with a clear strategic direction to 2032 to build performance, pathways, participation and sustainability. I sincerely thank Eugenie for her hard work and determination and wish her well in future endeavours.”
The four-day Australian Open Swimming Championships begin at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre on Monday with the Australian Age Championships entering its final two days of a week-long event, featuring over 2,600 competitors from over 300 clubs.
