Swimming New Zealand announces new CEO

Keen swimmer and sports administrator Mike Byrne will take over the reins of Swimming New Zealand.



Byrne, currently Operations and Business Development Manager for BikeNZ, will become the new CEO for Swimming New Zealand, following on from Paul Veric who resigned recently to move into private consultancy in sport.



The Wellington father of four has been passionate about sport for many years, leaving his business role in the IT industry two years ago to join BikeNZ.



As a former keen age group swimmer and surf lifesaver, Byrne offers the key ingredients for Swimming New Zealand to build on the foundations achieved over the past three years.



“Mike brings the commercial and leadership skills that will enable him to lead our organisation that is committed to deliver a broad range of outcomes to our clubs, schools, swimmers, teachers, coaches and the general public,” SNZ President Murray Coulter said.



“We have developed a strategic plan for swimming on the premise that every New Zealander should be able to swim to enjoy the great opportunities in our wonderful country.



“That runs from learn to swim through to competitive swimming at the highest level, as well as developing our close relationships with a number of other organisations and stakeholders in the aquatic industry.



“We believe Mike is well placed to continue and build on what has been established.”



Byrne has been responsible for the commercial aspects of the BikeNZ business including financial management, sponsorships and funding, and he also established BASE Sports NZ Co with BikeNZ, Athletics NZ, Swimming NZ and Equestrian NZ which sources commercial economies of scale opportunities.



Prior to joining BikeNZ, Byrne built a successful career in the IT industry for two decades. He takes up his position next month.