WAIS Board appoints new CEO

The Board of the Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) has appointed Matt Fulton as Chief Executive Officer.

Mr Fulton, who had previously run the State’s peak sporting body, SportWest, beat a competitive field of 72 applicants from around Australia.

He has been Acting CEO since October last year, following the departure of the previous CEO who had held the position since September 2001.

WAIS Chair Dr Neale Fong said he was delighted that the selection process by recruitment firm Lester Blades attracted so many high-quality candidates to lead an organisation that supports WA athletes to achieve success and inspire the next generation.

“Matt has shown during his time as Acting CEO that he is a talented and dedicated leader willing to take on the many challenges that exist at WAIS and drive our next chapter,” Dr Fong said.

“Matt is committed to providing a healthy workplace for staff and a safe and nurturing environment for athletes to reach their full potential.

“Winning is very important in sport, but it is even more important to win well and take care of the athletes as they pursue their dreams.”

“WAIS enters a new era of ensuring athletes in high-performance sports continue to achieve on the world-stage and inspire our children and communities.”

Mr Fulton said he was honoured to be selected to lead the State’s preeminent high-performance sporting institute.

“After spending the last 6 months in the acting position, it is evident that WAIS has an incredibly strong Board, a passionate and dedicated team of staff and an inspirational group of athletes – it is an absolute honour to have been appointed as the permanent CEO of such an amazing organisation as we embark upon a period of transformation”.

“I look forward to WAIS being a source of inspiration to the entire Western Australian community for generations to come, and I feel privileged to be able to play my part in helping athletes realise their sporting dreams.”

Dr Fong said the Board was committed to supporting Mr Fulton to address valid criticisms of the way WAIS had dealt with issues of athlete safety and culture in the past.

Since the new Board was appointed in September 2023, measures implemented by WAIS have included the recruitment of a dedicated Integrity and Safeguarding Manager, adoption of the Sport Integrity Australia National Integrity Framework, and commencement of a restorative justice program for ex-gymnasts.

All media enquiries can be directed to communications@wais.org.au