Phil Jones appointed as Athletics Australia Interim Chief Executive Officer

Athletics Australia President David Grace QC has today confirmed the appointment of Phil Jones to the position of Interim Chief Executive Officer.

Jones has most recently served as the CEO of Yachting Australia, the national sporting organisation for sailing and boating. During his 17-year tenure, he oversaw the development of a strong and well-respected organisation on the Australian sporting landscape, most recently highlighted by their strong performance at the London 2012 Olympic Games. He served as a key member of the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) Events Committee for more than a decade and chaired the ISAF Olympic Commission in 2010. Prior to his departure, Yachting Australia and its Member Associations made the key decision to adopt a national management model.

Jones’ appointment was made in consultation with the Australian Sports Commission, and his position will see him work with Athletics Australia in a short-term position designed to ensure strong management of the sport whilst the Board of Directors considers the recommendations of both the internal ‘The Glasgow 2014 Campaign Review’ and the forthcoming Australian Sports Commission Review, led by John Buchanan.

Jones will also oversee the recruitment process for the permanent positions of Chief Executive Officer and Head Coach.

“The Athletics Australia Board of Directors, its executive management team and staff are very much looking forward to working alongside Phil in the coming months as we move to appoint a permanent Chief Executive Officer,” Grace said.

“Phil’s success in the role at Yachting Australia highlights that he is a very strong candidate to fill the role in the short-term. I am confident that his involvement with our sport will ensure that we continue to move forward in this period of change.”

“I am very excited by the opportunity to work in such an iconic sport,” Jones added.

“I look forward to supporting the Board, management team and staff in delivering to our many stakeholders. Whilst sailing and athletics are very different sports in many ways, a lot of the fundamental challenges are the same. I look forward to working with Athletics Australia in addressing these.”

Jones will commence his position on Monday 8 December. He will not be available for comment until after this time.