By Jasmine Ng.
Nicki Nicol has been appointed as the new CEO and Secretary General of the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC).
Nicol will replace incumbent Kereyn Smith, who stood down from the position following the country's most successful Games' at the Tokyo Olympics.
Nicol will transition into the role from March 2022 following the Winter Olympics in Beijing, just in time for next year's Birmingham Commonwealth Games in July.
Nicol was most recently Chief Transformation Officer and Chief Financial Officer at New Zealand Rugby, and has also held significant leadership roles in Australia and the United Kingdom.
President of the NZ Olympic Committee Mike Stanley says he is delighted to appoint Nicol to the role.
"Nicki has impressed with her diverse and highly successful commercial background, her proven leadership qualities and her strategic insights" says Stanley.
"She has a deep passion for sport and respect for the Olympic movement and Commonwealth Games, and what they mean to New Zealanders and to our athletes".
Nicol says she's looking forward to the new challenge ahead of her.
"This unique and special role will draw on a blend of my professional and personal life experiences," says Nicol.
"The New Zealand Team, Te Kapa o Aotearoa, has a fabulous reputation for its performances and successes and how it represents New Zealand.
"I look forward to working with the NZOC team, our partners and stakeholders to support New Zealand's athletes to reach their potential".
Birmingham will trigger major change for the New Zealand team, with former Commonwealth Games gold medal-winning weightlifter Nigel Avery replacing Rob Waddell as Chef de mission.
