Bowls Australia’s CEO Neil Dalrymple has been appointed as the new CEO of World Bowls.

Dalrymple was confirmed as the successful candidate for the critical role following a comprehensive worldwide recruitment search and will now be charged with steering the sport into a new era on the back of a detailed organisational strategic review.

He is uniquely positioned to deliver the outcomes identified in the review with a strong focus on commercial and business development functions having been at the helm of the sport’s largest Member Nation for more than 15 years, and boasts previous experience as the CEO of Softball Australia and Cricket NT in addition to senior management roles at Cricket Australia.

World Bowls President, Darryl Clout, said Neil was the stand-out candidate for the position and his particular skills and experience would allow him to hit the ground running in the new role. ‘Neil is unquestionably the perfect candidate to guide the sport globally in a new direction and drive the outcomes identified in the strategic review,’ Clout said.

Sue Beatt, Chair of Bowls Scotland, World Bowls Director and a member of the CEO selection committee was pleased with the outcome of the search. ‘Neil presented a compelling case to the selection committee. His understanding of the requirements of the role, combined with his passion for the betterment of the sport on a global basis made it easy for us to recommend his appointment to the World Bowls Board’ Sue said.

‘We are fortunate that he was excited by the challenges the position presents and confident enough in the direction that the sport is heading to take on the role. Once he starts he will be able to make an immediate impact to help shape the future of the sport at such an important time.’ Neil said he was honoured to be offered such an opportunity to guide the sport globally and was appreciative of the support Bowls Australia’s Board and staff had provided over the past 15 years. The opportunity to lead the sport at such a crucial time in its history was an enticing prospect and I’m appreciative that the World Bowls Board have demonstrated their confidence in my ability by offering me this role.’

‘I look forward to a thorough handover process and working closely with all Member Nations once in the role, and more immediately, I look forward to witnessing one of the pinnacle events of our sport in the upcoming Commonwealth Games at the end of the month’ Neil said.

While Neil’s focus and attention will shift beyond Australian borders in his new role, his surroundings are unlikely to change much, after World Bowls confirmed in June that it will relocate headquarters from Scotland to Australia, to be co-located with Bowls Australia.

Neil will commence in the new position before the end of the year when he will take over from current CEO, Gary Smith, who will move into the new role of Chief Operations Officer.

Photo: Bowls Australia’s Neil Dalrymple has been selected to take over the role of World Bowls chief executive