Surfing Australia is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Mater as their new Chief Executive Officer. Chris replaces long standing CEO, Andrew Stark, who has been in the position since 2009.
Chris is coming from a successful 19 year career with Red Bull and was a significant part of their Australian launch. Returning to Australia for this new role, Chris has spent the last few years in the US as General Manager in the North America region.
Surfing Australia are looking forward to the leadership, marketing, sales, talent management and media background that will be coming into the role. Chris has a deep passion for sport having grown up on the Northern Beaches of Sydney he was a regular surfer and with a turn to an almost completely different sport landed himself a professional skiing position on the Australian team in 1990s.
Seven time World Champion and Surfing Australia Chair, Layne Beachley, said “I’m thrilled to have someone of Chris’ calibre join Surfing Australia. We have big plans for the sport over the next three years encompassing sports development through our current programs as well as making our Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020. It is an exciting time for surfing and Chris’s wealth of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm will lead us into our next phase of success. I’m really looking forward to working with him.”
Layne went on to commend Andrew Stark for the outstanding job he has done in the last 10 years and Surf Australia are forever grateful for his dedication to the role and his service to the organisation. “Surf Australia wish to Andrew continued success and happiness with his new and exciting role with the World Surfing League and Kelly Slater Wave Co. He will be incredibly missed but always will be a spiritual member of the Surfing Australia team.”
Chris added “It’s an incredible privilege and I am very humbled to be given the opportunity to work with the Surfing Australia team, board and partners. Surfing is such an important part of the culture, identity and way of life for many Australians. I am very much looking forward to leading Surfing Australia, sharing the stoke of surfing and supporting its mission.”
Andrew Stark will finish in the role on Friday 31st august. Chris Mater will be starting with Surf Australia on 15th October. In the interim Jake White, the current General Manager of Partnerships and Digital Events will be in the role of acting CEO.
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