YACHTING: New chief takes the helm at YNZ

"On behalf of Yachting New Zealand I am pleased to announce the appointment of Simon Wickham to the position of Chief Executive Officer," says Yachting New Zealand Chairman Alan Dickinson.

Continues Dickinson: "Simon has a wide experience in the development of strategic plans and directions for sport. We look forward to reaping the benefits of his vision and leadership."

Wickham comes from a strong sports management background, having previously managed the Hillary Commission’s Junior Sport programme for three years.

Prior to that Wickham was Secondary School Sport Director for Manawatu
Sports Foundation, progressing on to Programme Manager at Sport Manawatu.

Currently a Wellington resident, Wickham is also an accomplished yachtsman, having first stepped into an Optimist dinghy aged eight years. He is currently an instructor at Wellington’s Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club Sailing Academy and a regular participant in the club’s keelboat racing programme.

Last year, he sailed in the famous Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race on the New Zealand yacht 'EZ Street'.

Wickham, who holds a double degree in PE & Science from Otago University, backed up with a post-graduate business administration qualification, is looking forward to taking over the helm of Yachting New Zealand.

"This offers a unique opportunity to combine two passions - working in the sports industry and yachting," he says.

"Sport and leisure is a young and vibrant industry in New Zealand. As sports practitioners, we have a number of challenges to face as we head into the new century, but I believe yachting is well placed to meet these challenges."

Continues Wickham: "Over the next decade we must build on our many previous international successes to ensure an equally bright future. We must also develop even closer relationships with affiliated yachting and boating clubs and class associations to ensure their longevity and guarantee that future."

Wickham takes up his position with Yachting New Zealand on Thursday 14 July.

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