Rowing NZ Chief Executive Simon Peterson resigns after 12 years
Rowing NZ announces that after 12 outstanding years of leading Rowing NZ, Chief Executive Simon Peterson has tendered his resignation effective April 2021.
“I am proud of the achievements of our staff, our athletes, our coaches and our High Performance Sport NZ (HPSNZ) support staff during my time as Chief Executive, but after 12 years with Rowing NZ, I believe the time is right for a different perspective at a leadership level,’’ says Simon Peterson. “Collectively, our athletes, coaches, support staff and administration team are responsible for the strong position Rowing NZ holds ahead of the Tokyo Olympic Games, and I have always believed it is this collective approach that delivers sustainable results.”
Throughout his tenure, Simon established a successful staffing team around him, evidenced by New Zealand’s success on the water. Under Simon’s direction, Rowing NZ introduced an Athlete Representative Group (ARG) within New Zealand’s elite team, providing a platform for athletes to become more involved with key decision making. Simon has also built positive relationships with sponsors, benefactors, HPSNZ, Sport NZ and World Rowing (FISA). Simon’s efforts in gaining support from philanthropic donors has allowed the introduction of a women and men’s eight programme, the former of which became World Champions for the first time in 2019. 2019 also saw New Zealand at the top of the medal table at the World Rowing Championships, with four gold medalling crews, and five additional crews qualifying for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (to be hosted in 2021). In 2015, Simon was awarded the C K Doig Leadership Award, which recognises an executive sport or recreation leader who displays outstanding leadership in relation to their organisation or the sector as a whole.
Simon has offered an extended notice period to allow for a smooth transition to a new Chief Executive who will to take the sport to Paris 2024, and to provide stability through the current season.
Commenting on behalf of the Rowing NZ Board, Chair Gerry Dwyer thanked Simon for his dedication to Rowing NZ. “Under Simon’s leadership across the last 12 years our sport has flourished domestically, and New Zealand representative athletes have achieved incredible results internationally. We remain grateful for Simon’s contribution to the sport of rowing, and wish him every success for his future.’’
Recruitment for the Chief Executive position will begin immediately, with Simon departing in April 2021.
Rowing NZ Board of Directors