Swimming Australia turn to Rob Woodhouse as new CEO, replacing Steve Newman
Swimming Australia has turned to Emma McKeon’s uncle Rob Woodhouse, one of the most respected figures in the sport, to take over as chief executive officer.
Swimming Australia has turned to Emma McKeon’s uncle Rob Woodhouse to steer the country’s favourite Olympic sport out of troubled waters after being ordered to get its house in order.
One of the most respected figures in the sport because of his success in the pool and on dry land, Woodhouse will take over as Swimming Australia’s new chief executive officer in April.
He replaces Steve Newman, who temporarily held the role after Eugenie Buckley quit last year, prompting World Aquatics to threaten to expel Swimming Australia from the sport’s world governing body because of concerns about the constant leadership changes.
To avoid the embarrassment of expulsion, Swimming Australia’s members agreed to adopt a new constitution and appoint new leaders, with the popular Woodhouse agreeing to step in.
The appointment of Woodhouse could not come soon enough for Swimming Australia because he’s renowned as a can-do man who fights for the best interests of swimmers and the sport.
“Rob’s appointment is a great coup for our sport and we are delighted to be able to bring him back to Australia to lead us,” Swimming Australia said in a statement.
“We had an impressive number of candidates throughout the process. Rob was a standout and we are delighted he is joining us.”
A star performer in the pool, Woodhouse represented Australia at two Olympics, winning a bronze medal in the 400m individual medley at Los Angeles in 1984.
He also swam at three Commonwealth Games, winning three silver medals, and his sister Susie is the mother of David and Emma McKeon, Australia’s swimming GOAT.
After hanging up his goggles, Woodhouse has embarked on a successful career in business, running an international talent management firm, whose clients include some of Australia’s best swimmers.
Based in Britain but preparing to return home, he was the general manager of the London Roar, one of the franchises in the rebel International Swimming League that stood up against FINA, the former name of what is now World Aquatics.
“Swimming is, and has always been, my passion and it is an honour to lead Australian Swimming as we head into the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond to the home Games in 2032,” Woodhouse said.
“We are a nation of swimmers. My focus is to build an environment that inspires and enables our entire swimming community to perform to their potential together, in and out of the water.”
While the Australian swim team has been in great form in the pool in recent years, winning a record nine gold medals at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, there have been deepening concerns about the way the sport has been run.
Last year, an investigation by News Corp revealed the harrowing details of a report, which Swimming Australia ordered but did not publish, revealing how female participants in the sport were subjected to physical and mental abuse and humiliating body shaming.
The high turnover of leaders also came under scrutiny, with four different people acting as CEOS since 2020 – Newman, Buckley, Alex Baumann and Leigh Russell.
The role of Swimming Australia president has also resembled a revolving door with no one currently holding the position after Susan Smith stood down this week as interim president.
She was appointed last year after Michelle Gallen quit, less than a year after Tracy Stockwell was voted out in a boardroom coup.
Stockwell’s predecessor, Kieren Perkins replaced John Bertrand as president in late 2020 but announced just a year later he was stepping down.
A new president is expected to be named soon.
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