Chief Executive Officer
Auckland
- Lead Sailing in Aotearoa New Zealand through transformation & innovation
- Take the helm at one of the country’s most iconic sporting organisations
Lead Yachting New Zealand (YNZ) into its next chapter of growth and transformation. After 14 years of dedicated leadership, YNZ’s CEO is stepping aside, creating a pivotal opportunity for a new appointee to shape the future of sailing and boating in Aotearoa. This leadership transition coincides with the start of new Olympic cycles as YNZ prepares for LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032. The role offers a visionary leader the chance to make their mark on both community sailing and high-performance excellence.
About Yachting New Zealand
Yachting New Zealand is the national governing body for sailing, representing over 100 clubs and 40 class associations. Recognised by World Sailing, Sport NZ, High Performance Sport NZ, Maritime New Zealand and the NZ Olympic Committee, it supports both community sailing and competitive excellence.
YNZ’s purpose: to grow sailing and inspire New Zealanders through its sport. Based in Auckland with 20 staff, it operates nationwide to develop participation, community engagement and high-performance programmes.
The Role
As CEO, you will provide strategic leadership during a significant period of organisational transformation. You will implement Project Arotake recommendations, manage diverse stakeholders from grassroots to elite competitors and develop sustainable funding strategies. The role requires balancing high-performance with community sailing, expanding female participation and representing YNZ nationally and internationally. You will oversee national sailing centre development plans while supporting athlete voice in governance as part of a highly consultative leadership model.
Key Attributes & Experience
We seek a dynamic, values-driven leader who can demonstrate a highly impactful skillset including:
- Executive leadership in sport or not-for-profit sectors
- Stakeholder relationship management
- Financial acumen and revenue diversification
- Strategic vision and change management
- Commercial insight for funding opportunities
- Understanding of NZ sporting pathways
Yachting New Zealand is committed to diversity and inclusion across all aspects of its organisation.