Hockey WA has demonstrated its commitment to raising its profile and strengthening its relationship with the corporate sector, appointing former WA Super boss Fabian Ross as CEO.
Hockey WA has demonstrated its commitment to raising its international profile and strengthening its relationship with the corporate sector, appointing former WA Super boss Fabian Ross as its new Chief Executive Officer.
The seasoned financial services executive has more than two decades worth of experience in the financial services sector, having held several senior leadership roles at the Commonwealth Bank, BT Financial Group, and Government Employees Superannuation Board.
Most recently, Mr Ross served as chief executive officer of what was the state’s largest not-for-profit superannuation fund; overseeing a $1.2 billion growth in its portfolio, the acquisition of 20,000 new members and the launch of a new strategic model credited with helping the business navigate a challenging transition period.
After leading the company through its merger with Aware Super in December last year, Mr Ross said he felt it was the opportune time to take on a new challenge.
“Hockey has been in my family for all my life and I’m a life member of Whitfords Hockey Club, so it’s something I’m really passionate about,” he said.
“I do feel a tinge of sadness about leaving financial services after more than 20 years, but this is a magnificent opportunity.
“Opportunities like this don’t arise very often, particularly at the right time, and I’m really excited about it.
“I had just overseen the merger and the timing just felt right.”
Mr Ross, who begins his term in the new role next Monday, said his primary focus would be returning to the organisation’s core principles, increasing local participation, fostering membership growth, and increasing its profile in the global market.
With several significant international projects on the agenda, Hockey WA president Michael Henderson said the organisation had decided the conventional sports administrator role wasn’t going to give it the leverage or the support it would need.
In making the appointment, Mr Henderson said he believed Mr Ross’ passion for the sport and corporate skills aligned perfectly with that of the Hockey WA board and its plans for exponential growth.
“Fabian is an incredibly high-quality individual whose business success speaks for itself,” he said.
“He has a phenomenal record and has consistently delivered value for stakeholders in the business world over a sustained period of time.
“His involvement will raise the bar for the benefit of our members, players, supporters and other stakeholders across the state and internationally.
“We were looking for someone who had a really strong corporate pedigree, who had the ability to engage at a high level with the government and within the corporate sector.”
The appointment marks the beginning of a suite of major changes for Hockey WA, with plans to announce three high-profile ambassadors in the coming week who will become the link between HockeyWA’s industry partners and internationally-renowned Australian hockey teams the Kookaburras and the Hockeyroos.
The partnership is designed to improve scholarships and careers beyond hockey.
