Head of Participation Appointed

Swimming New Zealand is delighted to announce that Andy Kent has been appointed as its new Head of Participation, to replace Kent Stead who leaves the organisation at the end of this month.

Andy is employed by Surf Life Saving New South Wales (SLSNSW), currently in the role of Acting Operations Manager. For the four years before that Andy was the Lifesaving Manager. Prior to moving to Sydney, Andy was the Lifesaving Services and Education Manager for Surf Life Saving New Zealand.

No stranger to swimming, Andy has been a competitive swimmer and surf lifesaver for most of his life and has two Olympian brothers, Dean and Steven Kent. Andy says “I am really looking forward to moving back to New Zealand and working for Swimming New Zealand. Swimming has been such a big part of mine and my family’s life, that having the opportunity to lead Swimming New Zealand’s Participation Programme is a real privilege and I look forward to the challenge”.

Swimming New Zealand CEO Steve Johns is excited about Andy’s appointment and believes he will be a powerful addition to the Swimming New Zealand team. “Andy has a great swimming background and with his leadership experience gained at SLSNSW while leading a team of more than 19 staff and controlling a budget of over $3.5m. We look forward to welcoming him onboard in early July”, says Johns.

Andy will commence his employment with Swimming New Zealand on Monday 3 July.