Strikers general manager Bronwyn Klei is the new Netball SA chief executive

Netball SA’s search for a chief executive following the surprise decision by Ben Scales to quit the post has ended with the appointment of a cricket administrator.

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• Netball SA boss Scales quits role

Adelaide Strikers general manager Bronwyn Klei has quit the cricket role to be Netball SA chief executive.

Klei was announced as the replacement for Ben Scales and will start in the challenging position on March 18.

Scales surprisingly quit the netball job after six years, claiming the time was right for himself and the organisation.

Bronwyn Klei is stepping into the Netball SA chief executive role.

“Netball has been a lifelong passion of mine so I’m very excited to take up my new position,” Klei said.

“The Thunderbirds are in an exciting period of change with new head coach Tania Obst and I’m looking forward to playing a part and providing support there and with the other high performance programs. But I am also extremely aware that netball is a true community sport. I still play, I umpire and I’ve been president of Adelaide Hills Netball for the past five years so the joy and struggles of local netball are well known to me.

“I’m really looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and working for South Australian netball at every level.”

Klei is the general manager Adelaide Strikers, events, sales and commercial with the SA Cricket Association.

NSA said Klei would bring more than 20 years of senior leadership and strategy experience to the position, and will deliver its new strategic plan for long-term sustainability, inclusion and growth.

It added her business acumen and experience working in high performance sport, along with her personal connection with community sport, will be of huge benefit as she works with its 36,000 members and 100,000 participants.

NSA president Graeme Gilbert said the organisation looked forward to Klei leading the organisation through its next phase of growth.

“This is a really exciting time for netball in South Australia,” he said. “Under Bronwyn’s direction, we look forward to seeing our sport grow further within our communities and clubs as well as seeing on-court success with the Adelaide Thunderbirds.

“As an avid and passionate advocate for netball, Bronwyn will work closely with our board, the senior leadership team, and our netball community to develop robust programs and activations.”