Swimming Australia is searching for another new chief executive after the shock resignation of Eugenie Buckley with immediate effect on Friday.
With less than 18 months to go to the Paris Olympics and the national championships starting on Monday on the Gold Coast, Buckley has left “to take up opportunities outside of the sport”, after taking over the top job in swimming in late 2021.
She replaced Alex Baumann, who himself was in the role for just 12 months before citing health reasons for moving on in the aftermath of the Tokyo Olympics.
“Eugenie has steered the organisation through the significant challenges of a corporate restructure and improving our financial position,” said the SA president, Michelle Gallen.
“She leaves us in a strong position to move forward, with a clear strategic direction to 2032 to build performance, pathways, participation and sustainability.
“I sincerely thank Eugenie for her hard work and determination and wish her well in future endeavours.”
Swimming Australia said in a statement that Buckley had overseen a “critical period” for the organisation, during which she reintroduced the Duel in the Pool and Australia hosted the first Fina World Championships in 15 years.
Despite praise for Buckley from the board, SA was forced in December to agree to an independent review of the sport’s management that followed a breakdown in relations between key stakeholders including state bodies, coaches and elite competitors.
Tracy Stockwell lasted just nine months as president of SA before she was overthrown in a boardroom coup last November, with Gallen elected to take over.
Steve Newman, SA’s executive general manager, will serve as interim CEO as the board starts a global search for a new chief executive.
Australian Associated Press contributed to this report
