New CEO for Netball Southland and Steel - January 4, 2012
Netball Southland and the Southern Steel franchise have a new chief executive following a search which spanned both sides of the Tasman.
Queenslander David Bannister has been appointed to the joint role, replacing Julie Paterson who takes over as chief executive of the Auckland-based LG Mystics on January 20.
“After 18 years in the industry it’s got to the stage where I want to hold the reins and lead an organisation. I’ve come right through the pathways in sports development and administration and now is the right time,” Bannister said.
“The challenge of this role really appealed to me. Netball is the number one female sport in Australasia and the ANZ Championship is the premier competition for netball in the world – who wouldn’t want to be involved in something like that?”
The education and development manager for Queensland Rugby League for the past two years, Bannister brings a wealth of experience to the position. He previously spent nine years with Queensland Cricket in both management and development roles, while a stint as national coach and director of coaching for the Malaysia Cricket Association in Kuala Lumpur in 2004 adds international experience to his credentials.
His recent involvement in formulating Queensland Rugby League’s strategic positioning for the next five years has prepared him “exceptionally well” for the task ahead of leading the Steel in a dynamic new direction and ensuring the continued successful delivery of netball at all levels.
Bannister relished the working environment sport offered.
“The beautiful thing is that you can be involved in something you love and it’s a pleasure to turn up at work every day,” he said.
“Sport is now one of the fastest growing industries and I’m chomping at the bit to get involved with the Steel and Netball Southland.”
He believed engagement was a key element of success.
“We need to engage with our fans, our players, their parents, sponsors and the wider community. We have got to be something that people want to be involved in and we’ve got to make sure we’re up to date, if not in front, in all aspects – from the game itself to community expectation,” Bannister said.
He arrives in Invercargill next week and will be joined by his wife Kylie and their three sons, Toby, 11, Maxim, 8, and Beau, 6, later in the month.
“We are all really looking forward to the move and the lifestyle it offers,” Bannister said. “I’m sure there will be many new experiences in store for us. I’m a Queensland boy so sun, surf and sand – I’ve never even seen the snow.”
Netball Southland chairperson Debbie Hodges said Bannister’s credentials had impressed the appointment panel.
“I believe the experience and skills he is going to bring with regard to strategic and operational planning, along with his financial nous, will be a great asset to our organisation,” she said.
“With Netball New Zealand currently undertaking its review of our sport’s governance structure nationally, this is both an exciting and challenging time for netball in our region so we are thrilled to appoint a chief executive of David’s calibre.”
Southern TeamCo chairperson Janet Copeland said the Steel franchise would undoubtedly benefit from Bannister’s extensive background in professional sport.
“We’re excited about the experience that he brings and how he can add another dimension to our new look side,” she said.
