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Steve Newman

COO

Steve Newman, Swimming Australia



Personal and Professional Overview



Steve Newman is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of commercial and strategic leadership experience in sports organizations across domestic and international markets. His professional trajectory highlights a strong acumen in managing and leading sports entities strategically and operationally.

Current Role and Experience



  • Position: Interim Chief Executive Officer

  • Organization: Swimming Australia

  • Tenure: Steve has been with Swimming Australia since July 2022. He held the position of Interim CEO from April 2023 until February 2024, following the departure of Eugenie Buckley. His tenure as Interim CEO was succeeded by Rob Woodhouse in February 2024.


Notable Achievements and Contributions



  • Interim CEO at Swimming Australia: During Steve's interim tenure as CEO, he navigated the organization through a significant transitional period, ensuring stability and continuity. This stint was marked by efforts to address compliance issues which had the organization on the verge of expulsion from World Aquatics.

  • Contribution to the 2022/23 Annual Report: Steve expressed pride over the successful AGM and the release of the 2022/23 Swimming Australia Annual Report, indicative of his active involvement and leadership in the organization's strategic and operational planning.


Historical Context and Challenges



Steve's interim leadership role became crucial following the abrupt resignation of Eugenie Buckley after just 18 months in office. His ability to maintain organizational stability underscored his crisis management skills. Additionally, his tenure coincided with a broader restructuring phase within Swimming Australia, including the board's adoption of a revised constitution to enhance athlete representation.

Transitional Leadership



  • Succession by Rob Woodhouse: Steve was succeeded by Rob Woodhouse in February 2024. Woodhouse's appointment was a strategic move by Swimming Australia's Board to bring in a leader with extensive experience both as an elite athlete and in sports administration. The transition was part of Swimming Australia's concerted efforts to strengthen leadership ahead of major competitions such as the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games.


Relevant Skills and Expertise



  • Strategic Leadership: Steve has demonstrated a consistent ability to lead at the executive level, particularly in sports organizations, reflecting strong strategic planning and execution skills.

  • Crisis Management: His tenure as interim CEO amidst significant organizational challenges highlights his capability in handling crises effectively.

  • Commercial Acumen: Over two decades of experience underline his proficiency in driving commercial success and sustainability within sports entities.


Professional Network





Steve's LinkedIn profile provides further insights into his professional journey and achievements. It serves as a useful resource for detailed career history and endorsements.

Summary



Steve Newman has played a pivotal role in steering Swimming Australia through a period of significant transition. His extensive experience in sports organization management and strategic leadership makes him a key figure in the industry. His ability to manage crises and ensure organizational stability will be essential as Swimming Australia continues to evolve and face future challenges.