Netball Australia is delighted to welcome Kelly Ryan to the role of CEO today.
Ryan joins the organisation after 15 years in the Australian sporting industry, most recently with the AFL.
Ryan was also a foundation Executive member of the Gold Coast SUNS and an executive member of the Western Bulldogs during the 2016 Premiership triumph and the formation of the club’s AFLW team.
Netball Australia Chair Marina Go welcomed Ryan to the organisation.
“We know the future of the sport is in safe hands with Kelly - her drive and strategic ambition for netball is incredibly exciting,” Go said.
Ryan holds a Bachelor of Business (Marketing), is a graduate of Harvard University’s Authentic Leadership course, and was awarded the AFL’s prestigious Graeme Samuel Scholarship.
She said it was a privilege to lead Netball Australia.
“I’m excited to join Netball Australia, especially at such an important time of change and growth,” Ryan said.
“Netball has a great opportunity to be the most inclusive sport that exists, and we want to provide opportunities for everyone to participate in our sport.
“My first priority will be focusing on the people. I want to speak to every single staff member, the member organisations of each state and territory and all of our sponsors and stakeholders.”
Ryan takes over from Ron Steiner, who has held the role of interim CEO since December 2020.
“Ron has been a dedicated and passionate leader and on behalf of the board, I’d like to thank him for his contribution to netball over the past eight months,” Go said.
Steiner thanked the Netball Australia Board and staff and the broader netball network.
“It’s been a stimulating, rewarding and challenging opportunity to make a contribution to the sport of netball,” Steiner said.
“These immediate times of volatility will pass, and I remain enthusiastic and optimistic about the future of netball in Australia. I have had the pleasure of working closely with Kelly in the handover period and I know she will be a great leader for the sport.”
