Board Statement on CEO Transition

The Hockey Australia Board advises that Chief Executive Officer David Pryles has resigned from his role effective from 8 June 2026.

The Board respects David’s decision and thanks him for his leadership and contribution to Hockey Australia over the past four and a half years.

David has led Hockey Australia with commitment, strong leadership and a deep belief in the future of hockey in Australia since joining the organisation in early 2022.

His tenure has delivered meaningful progress across the organisation and leaves Hockey Australia well positioned for the future.

Under David’s leadership, Hockey Australia has:

• Secured a record investment in a world-class Centre of Excellence in Perth, supporting a leading national high-performance program in partnership with the Government of Western Australia and Hockey WA.
• Grown the executive leadership team, delivering sport-wide governance and integrity improvements across the sport.
• Strengthened the organisation’s financial position.
• Expanded government partnerships and commercial partnerships, as well as community engagement nationally.
• Supported participation growth across all levels of the game, including strong national momentum through Hookin2Hockey with double digit growth year-on-year.

Leading a national sporting organisation requires balancing elite performance, participation growth, commercial priorities and stakeholder relationships, while championing the sport nationally. Throughout his tenure, David has led with integrity, purpose and a genuine commitment to the hockey community.

Importantly, David has also played a central role in shaping Hockey Australia’s future direction.

Last week, the Board announced a new strategic direction and ambitious plan to guide Hockey Australia toward the opportunity of a home Olympic Games in Brisbane in 2032 and beyond. David has been instrumental in the development of that work and leaves the organisation with a clear strategy, and a solid foundation for the future.

On behalf of the Board, out-going Chair Ross Sudano thanked David for his contribution.

“David has made a significant contribution to Hockey Australia during a period of considerable change and progress for our sport. He has led with professionalism and commitment, and we thank him for the strong position in which he leaves the organisation. We wish David every success for the future.”

To support the transition, the Board has appointed David Thompson as Acting Chief Executive Officer while a search for Hockey Australia’s next CEO begins next week.

The Board remains focused on supporting the Hockey Australia team, maintaining momentum with stakeholders and progressing the strategic plan through to December 2028.

Sally Carbon

On behalf of the Board of Hockey Australia