Triathlon CEO moves on but is not lost to the sport

After overseeing the rapid growth and emergence of triathlon as one of New Zealand’s leading sports CEO Dave Beeche is headed for a new and challenging role – in triathlon.

President of Triathlon New Zealand Garry Boon today confirmed the departure of CEO Dave Beeche from his role of five years to the new role as CEO of Triathlon World Champs 2012, where he will oversee the planning and implementation of the World Championships on the Auckland waterfront in October 2012, together with a World Cup in November 2011.

Boon says that while Beeche will be difficult to replace, the silver lining is that he is not lost to the sport.

“Following public advertising for registrations of interest, the board investigated a number of event management options to deliver a World Class event and it was during this process that Dave signalled his interest in taking a lead role in delivery of the events.

“The board considered the benefits of Dave’s in depth knowledge of our hosting bid and the associated key relationships he has already developed with key partners and the sport both locally and internationally. With these factors in mind we believe the appointment of Dave to the role of CEO of Triathlon World Champs 2012 is a genuine win - win opportunity for Tri NZ and Dave.

“Through this arrangement we will retain Dave in the sport for at least another 2 years whilst Dave will enjoys a new challenge, utilising experience gained at Tri NZ through leading the delivery of four Triathlon World Cup events in New Plymouth and our Contact Tri Series which is now in its 5th year.

Beeche is looking forward to the new challenge and the opportunity to stay within the sport, at least for the next two years anyway. He has many highlights from his time at the helm of one of New Zealand’s most successful elite and fastest growing participation sports.

“I’ve absolutely loved my time at Tri NZ and it’s been hugely rewarding to transform it from a largely voluntary run organisation to a professional one that is having a hugely positive impact on the sport. Personal highlights for me over the last five years include establishing a successful national triathlon series, increasing the profile of the sport through things such as the TV show, playing a small part in helping Bevan win a medal in Beijing, and getting Tri NZ onto a solid financial footing which has enabled it to carry out some great sport development initiatives in coaching, youth and the technical side of the sport.

“However, the number one thing that stands out is getting to work with so many great people, all working together to grow the sport. In particular I’d like to acknowledge the dedication and passion shown by the team at Tri NZ, and Garry Boon & the rest of the Board – it’s been fantastic working with such enthusiastic and positive people. In addition, sponsors such as Contact, the team at SPARC, and literally hundreds of other participants, volunteers, and others working in the sport have made the last five years hugely enjoyable and rewarding.”

Boon says the sport is perfectly positioned for a new CEO to continue on the strong growth curve in all aspects of the sport.

“It’s almost exactly five years since Dave was appointed as the Tri NZ CEO and the progress the sport has made in all areas under his guidance is quite remarkable. Our High Performance Programme continues to benefit from the outstanding success of our top Elite athletes on the international stage and the programme now operates with clear medium and long term strategic goals.

“Dave’s outstanding leadership has also been the catalyst for attracting and retaining a high performing and dedicated team at Tri NZ. Through the efforts of this team we have established a range of highly effective and mutually beneficial commercial partnerships that enable us to implement our goals of raising the profile of our sport and increasing base participation numbers.

“One of Dave’s strengths has been his ability to establish extremely productive relationships with the board, staff, athletes, SPARC, commercial partners, the media and all stakeholders in the sport.

“Whilst obviously the board is disappointed that he will no longer be at the helm, we are extremely grateful that Dave is leaving with both the sport and our organisation in a very health state and ready to take the next step.

“On behalf of the Board I want to thank Dave Beeche for his outstanding and tireless contribution over the past five years and offer him our best wishes in his new role.”

Beeche meanwhile has no doubts about his new role and the potential for the World Champs to deliver a marquee event that will leave a legacy for the sport and the city of Auckland.

“I’m really excited about the new challenge ahead – and what a challenge it’s going to be putting on an event of this scale in the heart of Auckland city! What I really hope to achieve is to engage thousands of people in coming to watch who might not ordinarily seek out a triathlon – and then deliver them a great experience, that ultimately might inspire them into the sport as well. This event will have it all, from showcasing our elite heroes on the world stage, through to participation races for all ages and abilities.”

Meantime as Beeche considers his new role and a smooth exit from his current one, Boon and the board of Tri NZ are already focused on a thorough search for the right replacement.

“Dave’s departure opens the door for another outstanding leader to make their mark on this progressive, vibrant sport of ours. The board will commence its search for a confident and commercially intelligent individual with a passion for sport and the ability to build and retain excellent relationships at all levels.”