Resignation of Hockey NSW CEO David Thompson

After six years with Hockey NSW including the past five as CEO of Hockey NSW, David Thompson today announced his resignation from the role with immediate effect. On behalf of our members, Associations and valued partners, the Board of Hockey NSW congratulates David on his many achievements as CEO, and we wish him well for the future.

David joined Hockey NSW in 2015 as General Manager Operations following a successful period as a senior administrator overseeing coaching and pathways development at Cricket NSW. He was subsequently appointed CEO in July 2016, and he has served as a member of the Sport NSW Board since October 2018.

David’s efforts in all areas including growing our participation rates, introducing modified formats to attract more juniors and managing key relationships with Councils and other partners connected to State level events saw him deservedly acknowledged as the Sport NSW Administrator of the Year in 2017. 

He also during his tenure was a leader in the move to start Hockey One; navigate and lead the business through COVID with increased professionalism of the team and staff; was instrumental in his high level of engagement with Hockey’s volunteer base including enhancing relationships with our member Associations and; oversaw the launch of Hockey NSW’s Respect for Officials Pledge, appointed for the first time an Umpires and Officials Development Manager, introduced and launched the Multicultural Engagement Program and has played a lead role in national initiatives aimed at making our game stronger. 

There is no doubt the past two years have been among the most challenging ever for sports administrators in this country. In response to the pandemic, David and the Hockey NSW team have done a great job of keeping our members informed and engaged, and in co-ordinating the State and regional events that have been allowed to proceed. David quickly formed a COVID safety team that established a COVID-19 Info Hub on the Hockey NSW website, which has become an invaluable resource for all members. He also led Hockey NSW’s involvement in the Winter Sports Alliance, which focused on shoring up Government support for the recommencement of community sport. These efforts have positioned us well on the eve of the lockdown restrictions being eased across NSW.

In wishing David the best for the future, we hope he will remain involved with our sport, alongside his lifelong passions for cricket and the South Sydney Rabbitohs.  

We are pleased to advise Craig Beed has been appointed as Interim CEO of Hockey NSW effective immediately, while a recruitment process for the position is commenced. 

Adriana Care
President on behalf of 
Hockey NSW Board