Hilary Poole Named New CEO of Netball New Zealand

Netball New Zealand have announced the appointment of Hilary Poole as the organisation’s new Chief Executive.

Poole was the stand-out candidate from a number of strong applicants and replaces long-standing Chief Executive Raelene Castle.

NNZ Board Acting Chair John Bongard says the high calibre of applicants made for a difficult decision but Hilary’s combination of commercial background and sport governance experience meant she was best person for the job.

“We are absolutely delighted with the appointment of Hilary to lead Netball New Zealand into the next growth phase”, he said.

Hilary has vast commercial, leadership and governance experience and has advised some of New Zealand’s leading businesses in a range of industry sectors. Hilary has been the CEO of Hockey New Zealand and the Hockey Foundation since 2009.  Hilary was awarded the 2012 CK Doig Award for excellence in sporting leadership and has previously held senior roles at Bank of New Zealand, and GE Capital.   Hilary will join both the Boards of Netball New Zealand and Trans-Tasman Netball Ltd (ANZ Championship).

“I am hugely excited to be given the opportunity to lead Netball, it is such an important sport for New Zealand, and I look forward to the challenges this will bring”, said Poole.

The Netball New Zealand Board has appointed Malcolm Harris, who is currently their independent board member on Trans Tasman Netball Ltd as interim CEO following Raelene Caste’s departure to the Canterbury Bulldogs, until Poole starts in early October.