Rugby man appointed Chief Executive Officer of Yachting Australia

by Jane Gordon on 19 Nov 2014 Yachting Australia has announced the appointment of experienced and respected sports administrator Matt Carroll to the role of Chief Executive Officer. Matt commences with Yachting Australia on Monday 24 November 2014, replacing Phil Jones who is leaving the organisation after 17 years at the helm.

Yachting Australia President Matt Allen said Matt’s reputation as an experienced administrator with a comprehensive understanding of the business of sport, as well as the requirements of the national body, State Associations, Clubs, members, partners and participants, provides an opportunity to take the organisation to the next phase of its growth.

'Matt’s background in sports administration across a range of organisations provides Yachting Australia with strategic development, leadership, engagement with stakeholders, understanding of high performance as well as local engagement and grassroots participation', said Matt Allen.

'As the Yachting Australia Board and Management work with the State Associations in the development of the ‘One Management Project’, a blueprint for the management and governance of sailing and boating in Australia, the strategic insights and leadership Matt brings to the role will help us to secure a unified approach for the future.

'We are well into planning for the Australian Sailing Team heading to the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio in 2016, close to finalising the change of the organisation to a company limited by guarantee and building on our participation programs, so there is plenty of work to be done', Matt Allen added.

'I am excited to be joining Yachting Australia at this important time in the sport and lead the reorganisation of sailing and boating around the country. The challenges in sailing are the same as in other sports, to get more people participating and joining our Clubs, have more kids out on the water each weekend and ensuring we have strong and sustainable local Clubs. This needs to be coupled with enhancing the pathways to ensure the Australian Sailing Team continues to be successful and is prepared and ready for Rio 2016. I am looking forward to getting started on implementing the ‘One Management Project’ to secure the future of sailing in Australia', Matt Carroll said on his appointment.

'From my early days on the water with my dad Pat being taught to sail with my brothers, I have always loved sailing

'To be able to use my experience, skills and knowledge in sport developed over more than three decades and bring them back to a sport that means so much to me, and particularly to my late father, makes it even more special', added Matt.

Matt has had an extensive career spending more than two decades in Rugby Union and has recently returned from Japan where he was Interim COO for Japan Rugby World Cup 2019. At Australian Rugby Union in a career spanning over 15 years at staggered intervals, Matt held the roles of Deputy Chief Executive and General Manager, leading the Commercial department responsible for sponsorship, broadcast, membership, ticketing, hospitality and travel. As General Manager for the Rugby World Cup 2003, he planned, organised and delivered the Tournament in Australia. During his time at Football Federation Australia, Matt established the A-League and completed a comprehensive review of community football to maximise participation for FFA, State Associations and Clubs.

Matt Allen added his thanks to Phil Jones as he departs the organisation, 'I would like to acknowledge the contribution of Phil over the past 17 years, he has overseen considerable growth and development of Australian sailing during his tenure and worked tirelessly for the betterment of our sport, we wish him well as he moves onto new opportunities.'

Matt Carroll commences at Yachting Australia on Monday 24 November 2014.