Netball Central Board adds to depth

November 12

Netball Central Board adds to depth

Building on the momentum achieved in recent years, the Netball Central Zone Board has added to its depth of quality with the recent appointments of Owen Gibson and Graeme McCullough.

With a strong background in governance and strategy, Gibson, who is a Private Business Partner with PwC, in Wellington, has considerable experience with not-for-profit and charitable organisations as well as connections within the broader business community in the Capital.

McCullough, of Palmerston North, has a long pedigree in sales and marketing and has for the past 16 years been the self-employed Director of a distribution business trading in the Manawatu/central North Island region. Prior to that, he worked as Area Manager for a division of Burmah Castrol and before that with Ansett New Zealand.

``We’re delighted to welcome Owen and Graeme and the skill set they bring to the Netball Central Board,’’ Chair Sue Gordon said.

``The future direction of the Zone and its success is built on the calibre of individuals sitting around the governance table and in Owen and Graeme we have two highly skilled individuals adding to our depth.

``We have a very clear strategic plan regarding our role in the community, the aspirations we have around the High Performance pathway, financial sustainability and operational excellence. Our determination to maintain the strong momentum we’ve built up since the establishment of the Zones will be enhanced by the appointments of Owen and Graeme.’’

A passionate follower of sport and with a keen interest in netball, Gibson is excited by the opportunity to join the Netball Central Board.

``I think the brand and the Pulse is fantastic. It’s a professional sporting organisation but also supports the wider community base. This is what I grew up with and why I find it really interesting,’’ Gibson said.

``We are re-booting the organisation to a certain extent. The zones got established a while ago and the financial viability has been a challenge right across the country at the various zones.

``Netball Central has since got the finances in order and the current Board, and previous Board’s Chair have done a great job of rebuilding the balance sheet and focusing on Netball Central’s viability and sustainability – there’s now an incredible opportunity to grow the brand.

``What’s exciting for me in the next three years is growing the fan base, building the brand and hopefully to get the Pulse achieving the success we aspire to. It’s an exciting time to be on board.’’

First becoming interested in netball when his wife played, McCullough has followed the game for over 30 years and is a keen supporter of the Pulse and Silver Ferns. He is looking forward to adding his successful business career in sales and marketing to the existing skills of the Central Board.

``Having just joined the Board, I believe the vision they have set is the right one and I’m committed to assisting and ensuring a sustainable future for Netball Central,’’ he said.

``I am very excited by the prospect of developing existing opportunities and finding new potential long term sponsors.’’

ENDS.

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