Swimming New Zealand Announcement – CEO Steps Down

Swimming New Zealand has advised today that Christian Renford has resigned from his position as CEO.

Renford will depart Swimming New Zealand after the upcoming Olympic Games in Rio and return to Australia with his family for a new business opportunity.

His departure is in line with the completion of the Olympic cycle, and Swimming New Zealand will begin a search for a replacement to lead the sport through to the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo and beyond.

Renford was recruited to the role from Rowing New South Wales in 2013 and he was charged with implementing a number of the changes to the sport that were recommended by the Moller Review. 

Swimming New Zealand Chairman, Mr Bruce Cotterill said “Christian has done a very good job of leading the organisation through a difficult period, and in particular has repositioned our sport in the eyes of many of our stakeholders, especially those in the clubs and regions around New Zealand.

“Personnel changes are a fact of life within sports organisations around the Olympic cycle, and we are excited about the future of our sport, with a number of outstanding young swimmers coming through, and the opportunity to bring fresh leadership to the 2020 campaign.”