Michael Glading leaves - new CEO arrives

I think it would be a brilliant move by NZF to invite Ryan Nelsen to be part of the recruitment process for the new CEO.

NZF announce interim management arrangements New Zealand Football have announced interim arrangements with regards to plans to host the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup, the announcement of a new CEO and the replacement of an outgoing board member.

April 11, 2011

AUCKLAND � New Zealand Football have announced interim arrangements with regards to plans to host the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup, the announcement of a new CEO and the replacement of an outgoing board member.

New Zealand Football CEO appointment

The NZF board has agreed on a preferred candidate for its vacant CEO role and is finalising contractual details at present. New Zealand Football are hopeful of announcing this to the game late this week, with a potential start date of May 2nd.

NZF Special Projects Manager Peter O�Hara is acting CEO until this time.

FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015

O�Hara will also take on the role of Interim Project Manager for a steering group charged with laying the groundwork for a Local Organising Committee to run the event.

�The board has given much thought to the U-20 World Cup project and taken advice on the structure and way forward. This is a very exciting opportunity for New Zealand and while it is still early days we must be planning a very complex project now,� said New Zealand Football Chair Frank van Hattum.

�The board is very keen to ensure that there is every opportunity for success and that we manage the risks and opportunities in a considered manner.

�As such, we will ensure that the correct structure, goals, objectives and risks are all identified and clearly understood prior to implementation.�

O�Hara will continue to work as a project manager NZF, with special emphasis on Whole of Football Plan initiatives.

Board resignation � Andrew Titter

Meanwhile, the New Zealand Football board of directors has reluctantly accepted the resignation of Andrew Titter, due to his overseas work commitments.

Titter, formerly Chief Financial Officer of Downer EDI Works, has taken a new role with Downer Australia.

van Hattum said Titter�s work as chair of the board�s audit and risk committee had been invaluable.

�Much of the financial rigour and process that will keep this organisation in great shape can be attributed to his diligence, drive and determination.
�On behalf of the board I thank Andrew, who has demonstrated passion and unwavering commitment over his four years on the board.�

His position will be filled through the annual appointment process, which is currently underway. The make-up of New Zealand Football�s seven member board will be confirmed at NZF�s Annual Congress on May 4th.

New Zealand Football: McKavanagh named new Chief Executive at New Zealand Football

Note: For interview requests please contact Jamie Scott at the numbers below.

April 15, 2011

AUCKLAND � New Zealand Football�s new Chief Executive Grant McKavanagh says he is joining the organisation at the perfect time and sees no slowing of the sport�s recent momentum.

McKavanagh, 41, is a former CEO of Radiola Corporation � the New Zealand distributor of Samsung products � and has managed other retail businesses in the mobile phone and service station sectors as well as holding positions with a focus on business generation.

With football in New Zealand reaching new heights on and off the field, McKavanagh is relishing the challenge of building the game�s current impetus.

�It�s a perfect time to join,� said McKavanagh, who replaces Michael Glading in the role.

�The people who have preceded me have done a great job and now it�s about fully implementing the Whole of Football plan and taking advantage of where football is placed now.

�We have great corporate support from ASB, Nike, McDonald�s Volkswagen and Persil. Football in New Zealand is in the best position it�s ever been in to catapult forward.

McKavanagh says his background in brand-building will help strengthen the platform to support growth in the game, but as both a player and fan it is the sport�s grassroots development plan being rolled out over the next six years that really inspires him.

�The big thing for me is realising that Whole of Football Plan vision.�

�We lose people in their teens, as do a lot of sports, but we have a chance to create the aspirational and emotional connection with the game to keep people involved for life.�

�We can also grow players in our elite game. With the Whole of Football Plan in place and the existing pathways through U-17, U-20 and Olympic levels we�ve got a platform to push these players through.

New Zealand Football Chairman Frank van Hattum said McKavanagh�s appointment would allow continuity.

�Grant brings demonstrated leadership in fiscal management, relationship management and ability to grow business,� said van Hattum.

 ï¿½We�ve had unprecedented level of activity in recent times both in terms of international activity and game development and all the while with prudent financial control. With Grant�s appointment we can continue the progress of football in New Zealand.�

McKavanagh assumes the role on May 2.

Background: Grant McKavanagh

�                    Age: 41

�                    Chief Executive of Radiola Corporation 2005-2010

�                    Noel Leeming (three different management positions) 2003-2005

�                    Caltex NZ (four management positions) 1994-2003

�                    Has been a football player for over 30 years

Has been in the TV selling bussiness so should get on well with the guys at the Nix