Hockey NSW CEO Emma Highwood leaving to return to the UK

On behalf of the Hockey NSW Board
Hockey NSW President, Adriana Care today announced the resignation of Chief Executive Officer, Emma Highwood due to personal reasons which will see her return to the United Kingdom.

“It is with much sadness that I announce the resignation of our CEO Emma Highwood due to family circumstances which will see her return home to her family in England,” said Ms Care.

Emma Highwood was appointed CEO in February 2022 with a change mandate post COVID and commenced a strategic and organisational transformation which has seen some significant change in the direction and focus of the sport in New South Wales. She has laid a solid foundation from which the organisation can continue to grow and develop into the future.

“In her short time Emma has worked with the Board to implement a new Strategic Plan for Hockey NSW and engage with our vast stakeholders, as well as oversee and implement many strategic and operational projects which included recruitment of new senior personnel, an overhaul of the Player Pathway, a new direction in participation, review of the State Championships, NSW Pride campaigns in 2022 and 2023 which saw competition victories for both the men’s and women’s teams in 2022 and record attendances across our home games,” said Ms Care.

Emma Highwood said “It has been an absolute privilege to lead Hockey NSW over the last two years and have enjoyed my time in Hockey. I truly believe that Hockey is a great sport with so much potential. However, due to circumstances with my family back home in England I have made the difficult decision to return having spent the last 17 years in Australia.”

“I am proud of what the team has been able to achieve in the last two years, which includes:

• Development of the New Hockey NSW strategic plan with a focus on growth.
• The launch of the new direction in the pathway, with the appointment of Brent Livermore and Jade Close ex Olympian’s to continue to lead this component of the business.
• Restructure of grassroots programs with 100 community coaches engaged to support school and HookIn2Hockey delivery, which has led to record number of school programs being delivered.
• Introduction of the Regional Hubs and Regional leads across the state to better support Associations and grassroot development.
• Implementation of the new approach to Integrity across NSW, working in partnership with Hockey Australia.
• A stronger focus on wellbeing and culture in our state teams.
• Successful NSW Pride campaigns, including the 2022 season, where NSW became the first state to win both the men’s and women’s competition.
• Record new partnership with New Balance as an apparel and events partner.
• Review of State Championship, with a focus on bringing the male and female parts of the game together, thereby leveraging one of the sport’s biggest assets.
• Stronger focus on gender equity and diversity in both the state teams and within the pathway and the broader Hockey community.”

“I would like to thank the Hockey NSW Board and staff for their support and commitment to the game in New South Wales and to the broader Hockey community who have helped me understand the challenges confronting the sport and for embracing the strategic direction to take the game forward in the years ahead,” Highwood said.

Emma Highwood will complete her tenure in March 2024.

“The Hockey NSW Board has appointed GM-Business Development and Government Relations, Richard Griffiths as acting Chief Executive Officer from February whilst we determine the next steps to fill the CEO position, and until then it will be business as usual with a strong focus on a seamless transition and continuing to implement the Hockey NSW strategic plan. We thank Emma for her effort over the last two years and wish her the best of luck with her return to England to be with family” said Hockey NSW President, Adriana Care.