With Softball Australia’s Chairperson Peter Jon Hartshorne’s three terms on the Board due to be completed at the upcoming Annual General Meeting in October, fellow Board Member Richard Lindell has been elected as the new Chair, effective immediately.

Lindell has been a member of the Softball Australia Board since 2018 and brings over 15 years of experience working as a senior journalist in roles with the ABC, SBS and Sky News.

He is now co-owner and Joint Managing Director of Corporate Leaders Network which is a membership organisation for CEOs and company directors.

“Thank you to my fellow Board Members for nominating me as Chair,” said Lindell.

“I look forward to building on the initiatives and projects underway to grow our sport across the country. Softball has taken great strides in recent years and the organisation is well placed to grow participation and contribute to building healthier and stronger communities. I look forward to working with our state and territory boards and other stakeholders to achieve our shared goals.”

Softball Australia Chief Executive Officer David Pryles says Lindell brings a wealth of experience to the Board and is well placed to step in as Chair having been part of the Board for the past three years.

“Richard’s been a great contributor to the Board of Softball Australia and is well equipped to carry on with the momentum the sport has gathered in the last few years,” said Pryles.

“As a member of the Board, Richard has provided excellent guidance in the media and communications space, as well as providing guidance on the Finance and Remuneration and Nomination Sub Committees.”

Lindell was elected at last night’s Board Meeting and will begin his term immediately. As per the Constitution, Hartshorne steps down from the Board following the completion of his maximum three terms at the upcoming AGM in October.

“On behalf of Softball Australia, I would like to thank Peter for his significant contribution as Chair of the Board,” added Pryles.

“Peter has been a driving force of many of the key initiatives of recent years, including the implementation of the One Softball management structure and implementation of a new CRM – both of which are key planks in driving growth in participation and membership. He has built strong relationships with all key stakeholders and we will all miss his experience, expertise and guidance.”