New era for World Bowls to start with Dalrymple at helm

Bowls Australia’s CEO Neil Dalrymple will take the reins of the sport’s global governing body, after being unveiled as the new CEO of World Bowls.

Dalrymple was confirmed as the successful candidate for the coveted role following a comprehensive global executive search with a worldwide advertising campaign, and will be charged with steering the sport into a new modern era on the back of a detailed organisational strategic review.

Dalrymple is uniquely positioned to deliver the outcomes identified in the review, with a greater focus on commercial and business development functions, having been at the helm of the sport’s largest Member Nation for the more than 15 years, and boasts previous experience as the CEO of Softball Australia and Cricket NT in addition to senior management roles at Cricket Australia.

World Bowls President Darryl Clout, a member of NSW’s Marks Point Bowling Club, said Dalrymple was the stand-out candidate for the position and his thorough experience in the sport would allow him to hit the ground running in the new role.

“Neil Dalrymple is unquestionably the perfect candidate to guide the sport globally into a new direction and drive the outcomes identified in the strategic review,” Clout said.

“We’re fortunate that Neil was excited by the challenges the position presents and confident in the direction that the sport is heading to offer his skillset and experience to the role.

“Once he starts, he’ll be able to make an immediate impact and will help shape the future of the sport at an important time.”

Dalrymple said he was honoured to be presented the opportunity to guide the sport globally and was appreciative of the support Bowls Australia’s Board and staff had provided over the past 15 years.

“The opportunity to lead the sport globally and help deliver meaningful change and progression at such an important moment in time for the sport was an enticing prospect and I’m appreciative that World Bowls’ Board have demonstrated their confidence in my ability to deliver these outcomes,” Dalrymple said.

“I’d also like to acknowledge the invaluable support provided to me over the past 15 years by the numerous individuals that have held positions among Bowls Australia’s Board and staff, but in particular to President Bob Boorman for his friendship and leadership during his tenure.

“I look forward to a thorough handover process and working closely with all Member Nations once in the role, and more immediately, I look forward to witnessing and showcasing one of the pinnacle events of our sport in the upcoming Commonwealth Games at the end of the month.”

Bowls Australia’s President Bob Boorman said Dalrymple had delivered a great deal during his tenure at the national body and was optimistic of the sport’s future at a global level with him at the helm.

“Neil has been a terrific asset and achieved a tremendous amount over a long period of time at Bowls Australia,” Boorman said.

“The sport in this country is indebted to Neil for his contribution across all levels, having overseen record participation and innovation of programs and products, the delivery of numerous marquee international and national events, prolonged success on the international stage and improved funding of high performance pathways, unprecedented broadcast and live-streaming coverage showcasing the equality of the sport, enhanced governance practices and the formation of many strong commercial partnerships among many notable highlights.

“Neil certainly leaves Bowls Australia and the sport in this country in a much better and healthier position than before he joined and I’m confident that will carry over to a global level in his new role – we wish him the best of luck.”

While Dalrymple’s focus and attention will shift beyond Australian borders in his new role, his surroundings are unlikely to change much, after World Bowls confirmed in June that it will relocate its headquarters from Scotland to Australian shores, to be co-located with Bowls Australia.

Dalrymple will assume the World Bowls position following a period of handover after the Commonwealth Games, with Bowls Australia set to commence its executive search for his replacement with an external search group in the coming weeks.

World Bowls and Bowls Australia’s Board and staff jointly express their congratulations and appreciation to Neil Dalrymple and wish him well in his new role.

[Press release supplied by Bowls Australia]

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