Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 has appointed Jane Fernandez as its permanent Chief Executive Officer, with the highly respected sports administrator set to lead the Local Organising Committee through the next phase of planning and delivery.
Fernandez, who has served as Interim Deputy CEO since May, steps into the role as momentum continues to build for netball’s biggest stage, which will be contested in Sydney from 25 August to 5 September 2027.
Her appointment follows the confirmation of Mark Falvo as Netball Australia’s full-time CEO. Falvo will also take on a director role with NWC2027.
With more than 20 years’ experience across major sporting events and senior executive roles, Fernandez brings deep expertise in strategy, leadership, operational delivery and stakeholder engagement to the tournament.
Her major-event credentials include Chief Operating Officer of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia 2023™, Head of Sport at the Australian Olympic Committee and Tournament Director for the AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015™. Most recently, she served as Executive General Manager – Operations for Rugby World Cup 2027 Australia before joining NWC2027 in an interim leadership role.
Netball Australia and NWC2027 Chair Liz Ellis AO said Fernandez’s appointment came at an important moment for the sport.
“These are exciting and important times for netball, both in Australia and around the world, as we look to build on the sport’s momentum and embrace the significant opportunities ahead,” Ellis said.
“Netball Australia is fortunate to have two of Australia’s most highly respected and experienced sports administrators now leading key areas of the game. The permanent appointments of Mark Falvo as Netball Australia CEO and Jane Fernandez as CEO of Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 reflect the ambition we have for netball and our determination to strengthen the sport both on and off the court.
“Mark has done an outstanding job establishing the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 Local Organising Committee and laying the foundations for what promises to be an exceptional World Cup. Jane brings an impressive depth of major-event experience and leadership to the role, and her appointment provides strong continuity as we enter the next critical phase of tournament delivery."
Reflecting on her appointment, Ms Fernandez said she is honoured to lead the organisation through to tournament delivery.
“I am delighted and honoured to be appointed Chief Executive of Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 and to have the opportunity to lead the organisation through to the delivery of the tournament,” Fernandez said.
“Having served as Interim Deputy CEO over the past few months, I have seen first-hand the capability, commitment and passion of our team and the tremendous work already underway to deliver what we aspire to be the biggest and best Netball World Cup yet."
NWC2027 will continue its countdown to the tournament next week, when the One Year to Go milestone is marked at a special event in Sydney.
