Kevin Thompson named CEO for NSW Institute of Sport

NSWIS has today announced that Kevin Thompson will be joining the NSW Institute of Sport as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Sports Minister for the NSW State Government Stuart Ayres announced the appointment of Thompson, who is currently the Director of the University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Science.

Minister Ayres said the appointment would help support New South Wales athletes become the world’s best.

“Kevin Thompson will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in high performance sport to NSWIS. His time with world renowned organisations such as the University of Canberra and the English Institute of Sport will build on the Institute’s proud history of sporting success,” Mr Ayres said.

The Chairman of NSWIS board Gary Flowers said the appointment was aligned with the Institute’s commitment to excellence.

“Kevin’s appointment will be an incredible asset to our team of athletes, coaches, performance specialists and scientists,” Mr Flowers said.

Thompson established the University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Science and has been Director for the past five years, with specific responsibility for the University’s vision and strategic direction for all aspects of sport. He has overseen the rapid growth and development of the Institute into a revered authority across Australia and internationally.

Thompson also has seven years’ experience working at the English Institute of Sport, during which time he directed the North East and North West Institutes of Sport which supported athletes who won 20 of the 47 medals for Great Britain at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, including the highly successful British Cycling program. Thompson rose to National Director of Sport Sciences before joining the University sector.

The new CEO is looking forward to getting started in the role.

“I am delighted to be joining the team at NSWIS and working with a hugely talented group of staff, coaches and athletes” said Thompson.

“It is a great responsibility to be taking on the leadership of an organisation with such an impressive international reputation and record of success, and it is a challenge I will take on with relish.”

Thompson will commence the position on 11th September 2017. He will be taking over from current NSWIS Acting CEO Clare Prideaux who will continue to offer her expertise and passion to NSWIS in the role of High Performance Director.

Minister Ayres said, “Clare’s stewardship during this period of transition for the NSWIS has ensured that it has been business as usual and she has worked hard to continue to drive our programs and partnerships.”