Jennie Wyllie Steps Down as Netball New Zealand CEO Following Turbulent Year

Jennie Wyllie has resigned as CEO of Netball New Zealand, ending her 16-year tenure with the organization. Wyllie, who took on the CEO role in 2016, informed the Netball NZ Board on Thursday of her decision to step down, citing a desire to focus on her family and pursue other professional opportunities.

Her departure comes at the end of a particularly challenging year for the organization. Netball New Zealand struggled to secure a broadcast deal for the ANZ Premiership, the sport's premier domestic competition, creating significant uncertainty around the sport's media presence in the country. However, the most damaging blow to the organization's reputation arrived in September when Netball New Zealand suspended Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua over concerns regarding the high performance environment.

Jennie Wyllie / Netball NZ

The suspension sparked a drawn-out crisis that played out extensively in the media over several weeks. Dame Noeline was eventually reinstated, but the episode triggered widespread calls from across the netball community for major leadership changes at Netball New Zealand headquarters. The controversy left the organization's reputation significantly damaged and raised serious questions about governance and decision-making at the highest levels.

Netball New Zealand's Board acknowledged Wyllie's contributions during her time leading the organization through significant organizational change and challenges. David Cooper has been appointed as Acting CEO while the organization begins its search for a permanent replacement, with recruitment expected to commence in the New Year.