Surfing Queensland CEO Adam Yates exits after being stood down amid workplace investigation
The Surfing Queensland CEO - facing an internal workplace probe after alleged staff complaints - has decided on his future. “Very grateful to have had the opportunity.” FULL DETAILS
Gold Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Gold Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Under-fire Surfing Queensland CEO Adam Yates - temporarily stood down amid a recent workplace investigation - says he is departing to pursue a new role elsewhere.
Mr Yates had headed the government-funded organisation - which operates out of Palm Beach on the Gold Coast - since 2014.
Mr Yates posted to his personal Instagram account on Friday: “After 14 years at Surfing Queensland, I am stepping down as Chief Executive Officer to pursue a new role.
“I would like to thank all who have contributed to create what surfing is today in Queensland.
“I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to work with the amazing team at Surfing Queensland over the years.
“To the many hundreds of people who made my time at Surfing Queensland so memorable, I say THANK YOU (sic),” he posted.
Mr Yates finished by saying he was looking forward to pursuing a new role with an international surfing company in the near future.
Surfing Queensland had stood down Mr Yates last month after launching the internal investigation following a number of complaints from staff.
Just weeks ago, the board members were set to meet to discuss the matter. At the time, a Surfing Queensland spokesperson declined to comment on that meeting.
In a statement to the Gold Coast Bulletin when the matter was first reported, Surfing Queensland said it took the allegations made “very seriously”.
“The Board of Surfing Queensland received correspondence pertaining to certain workplace allegations raised by some members of the Surfing Queensland team,” the statement said.
“The Board takes these kind of allegations very seriously and moved quickly to appoint an independent workplace expert to investigate these claims.
“Any further comment at this stage could be prejudicial to this independent process.”
Surfing Queensland runs boardriding events including state championships and junior tournaments named in honour of surfing legends Mark Occhilupo and Joel Parkinson.
‘Very disappointed’: Councillor’s fury at debate delay
Councillor Brooke Patterson is furious after the City published allegations from an investigation into her conduct but stalled debate allowing her to address them.
One-punch kill accused takes stand: ‘He was coming at me’
An ex-Keebra Park football prodigy charged with the one-punch death of a Surfers Paradise reveller has told his criminal trial the punch was a split-second decision after a perceived threat.