Surfing Queensland appoints new CEO Luca Liussi - the second after Adam Yates resigned

A Gold Coaster has been revealed as the latest Surfing Queensland CEO, the second to be appointed after Adam Yates resigned in August last year.

The new boss of Surfing Queensland is a Gold Coaster with ties to Bond University - the second after ex-CEO Adam Yates resigned last year.

On Tuesday, Bond University’s deputy director of sport Luca Liussi was announced as the new CEO, in a bid to “strengthen... (and) support the next generation of surfers, and grow the sport in meaningful, sustainable ways”.

According to the state’s peak surfing body, Mr Liussi brings with him hands-on Olympic experience with the men’s and women’s rugby 7s – in what the body calls a “head start” in the lead up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, as well as a “new phase of growth” for Surfing Queensland.

Luca Liussi. Picture: Jerad Williams

Surfing Queensland chairman Julian Blanchard said Mr Liussi was the “ideal leader to guide Surfing Queensland through its next chapter.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Luca to the role of CEO,” Mr Blanchard said.

“His deep understanding of sport systems, commitment to community, and authentic connection to surf culture make him an ideal leader to guide Surfing Queensland through its next chapter.”

Former CEO Mr Yates had headed the government-funded million dollar organisation since 2014, with the board of Surfing Queensland operating from Palm Beach.

Mr Yates announced on his personal Instagram in August he was “stepping down as Chief Executive Officer to pursue a new role”.

Former Surf QLD CEO Adam Yates who resigned in August last year. Picture: Tertius Pickard

After Mr Yates’ departure, Surfing Queensland announced in October it had appointed “lifetime surf industry professional” Mark Flanagan as the new CEO.

Mr Flanagan was relocating from Victoria for the role.

This week Surfing Queensland publicly announced Mr Liussi as the new CEO, with Mr Liussi saying he was “honoured” to lead Surfing Queensland.

“Surfing is more than a sport – it’s part of the cultural fabric of this state,” he said.

“I look forward to working with the community, our clubs, athletes, and partners to strengthen our programs, support the next generation of surfers, and grow the sport in meaningful, sustainable ways.”

Originally published as Surfing Queensland appoints new CEO Luca Liussi - the second after Adam Yates resigned