Heidi Lichtwark takes over top role at Sport BOP

Heidi Lichtwark

Sport Bay of Plenty has announced Heidi Lichtwark as its new chief executive.

Ms Lichtwark has been at Sport Bay of Plenty since 2003 and recently was in a leadership role managing the recreation and health areas of the organisation.

She replaces Wayne Werder, who was chief executive for seven years.

Her appointment was announced by Sport Bay of Plenty board of trustees chairman Grant Utteridge.

"Heidi has been a key staff member in our team for the past 10 years and the board looks forward to working with Heidi to achieve our recently revised strategic objectives in the next phase for Sport Bay of Plenty."

Ms Lichtwark has an MBA in sport management and continues to study in post-graduate organisational development.

"I am excited to follow the direction of previous chief executives Wayne Werder as well as Dame Susan Devoy," she said.

"I feel very passionate about our region - the people, places, the history as well as the future. Sport Bay of Plenty has a huge depth of skill and knowledge within our staff and I am looking forward to leading the organisation into the next phase."

She will take on the role from next Monday.