The Chairman of the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), the Hon Warwick Smith AM, today announced Mr Simon Hollingsworth as the new Chief Executive of the ASC.

Mr Hollingsworth comes to the ASC from his previous role as Executive Director, Policy and Cabinet Group, at the Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet.

‘I am extremely pleased that we have secured the services of a leader of the calibre of Mr Hollingsworth for this critical position in Australian sport,’ Mr Smith said.

‘Mr Hollingsworth brings significant high performance experience with firsthand knowledge as an athlete at the elite level, having represented Australia at two Olympic and Commonwealth Games.  However, it is Simon’s strong track record in public administration both here in Australia and in the United Kingdom, backed by his skills developed as a Rhodes Scholar, that will enable him to lead and support Australian sport into the future,’ Mr Smith said.

Mr Hollingsworth will continue to lead the ASC’s strategic direction of working collaboratively with our sport partners to achieve the Government’s goals of increasing our international success while boosting sporting participation and enhancing sporting pathways.

‘In the last 12 months the ASC has focussed on supporting and working with our key partners such as national sporting organisations and the state and territory departments and institutes of sports to achieve our shared goals of increasing participation and international success. Mr Hollingsworth will continue to lead this work to achieve the best possible outcomes for Australian sport,’ Mr Smith said.

‘I am excited about the opportunity to lead the ASC and continue to build on the existing priorities for Australian sport.  As someone who has experienced all that sport has to offer, I am committed to ensuring the ASC and the AIS deliver the most effective support and development initiatives for our greatest athletes and that we also increase the opportunities for Australians to participate in sport at the level of their choice,’ said Mr Hollingsworth.

‘As the Chair of the ASC Board I am looking forward to working with Mr Hollingsworth in developing and implementing the key strategies for Australian sport including driving the important work that is already underway in the lead up to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games,’ said Mr Smith.

I would also like to acknowledge the outgoing Acting Chief Executive Professor Peter Fricker for his outstanding contribution to Australian sport, including while in the position for the last four months and more broadly in his 30 years of distinguished service for the ASC, the Australian Institute of Sport and athletes across the nation,’ Mr Smith said.

The Board of the ASC, along with Mr Hollingsworth, will shortly commence the recruitment process to appoint the Director of the AIS.