International expert to help Kiwis keep winning

International expert to help Kiwis keep winning on the world stage

High Performance Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ) has today announced that Australian Mike McGovern will take up the role of General Manager Performance and Strategic Investment.

McGovern was recently with the Australian Institute of Sport where he led the team responsible for high performance strategy, performance planning and programme delivery. This included managing $A110 million in investment to national sport organisations to deliver medal targets under Australia’s Winning Edge strategy.

HPSNZ Chief Executive Alex Baumann says he’s delighted to have McGovern as part of the New Zealand high performance system.

“This position is a key one for HPSNZ, as it leads our targeted investment approach, which is a central part of our strategy for winning more medals at Olympic and Paralympic Games and world championships,’’ Baumann says.

“Mike has more than 23 years’ experience in sports management with about half of that in leadership and senior management positions. He’s been responsible for the performance of investment in the Australian high performance system and has led programmes that resulted in medals for Australia at the 2012 London Olympic Games, including six of their seven gold medals.

“With his experience and focus on results, he will play a key role in leading HPSNZ’s targeted investment strategy and growing our system to be truly world-leading.”

McGovern says this is a unique high performance opportunity and he’s been monitoring the achievements of Kiwi athletes at Olympic Games, Paralympic Games and world championships and is looking forward to helping New Zealand achieve more medal success.

“I am appreciative and thankful for the opportunity provided by Alex and the Board of High Performance Sport New Zealand. New Zealand is a proud sporting nation and with a clear targeted investment approach, and performance collaboration model, I believe there are even greater things to come. It’s all about partnering with sports and key stakeholders to add value aimed at increasing the probability of New Zealand athletes winning gold medals on the world stage. It’s an exciting time for high performance sport in New Zealand and I’m delighted to be given this opportunity to make a contribution.”

McGovern will join HPSNZ in early July.

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