HV MEDIA RELEASE – 14/5/2008

Hockey Victoria Chairman, Bob Esselmont today officially announced that the Board has appointed Ben Hartung as the new Chief Executive of Hockey Victoria.

Mr Esselmont said “Ben Hartung is an exceptional executive and we are not only delighted but very excited that he will be leading the team at Hockey Victoria at a time where hockey must stand up and be noticed.”

“Ben Hartung’s experience and qualifications make him an ideal leader with a proven track record of getting results of the highest quality and a great operator among people at all levels. Ben has held prominent positions in internationally renowned sporting organisations and from being a player and coach he understands the hockey environment, which I am certain will benefit him greatly.”

Mr Hartung began his career in the sports industry as a secondary school teacher before completing further studies to move into sports management. Mr Hartung’s move away from education saw him progress through the ranks of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation where he reached the position of Event Manager. In this position Mr Hartung was responsible for the overall management of the event and venue operations for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park and the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island. With a sound knowledge of international events, Mr Hartung’s experience will be invaluable when the 2009 Champions Trophy comes to Melbourne.

As a hockey player and former State League 1 coach, Mr Hartung is well versed in the hockey environment and enters the organisation with first hand experience as a stakeholder. Mr Hartung brings a new wave of enthusiasm and innovativeness, which will rejuvenate the organisation’s goals from grassroots to elite level. Mr Hartung’s proven management skills will be paramount in leading the organisation in this new era of Victorian hockey.

“I look forward to taking a hands on role in further developing every area of the organisation and liaising with all stakeholders to embrace Hockey Victoria’s strategic vision of developing, growing and promoting hockey as a sport for all,” Mr Hartung commented.

This is a major step in the growth of the sport in Victoria and comes at a time where the Olympics will catapult hockey into the minds of thousands of young Australians.

Hockey Victoria welcomes Mr Hartung as the new Chief Executive and wishes him best as the head of Victorian hockey’s governing body.

THS congratulates Kew-cumber Ben all the best in his new job as CEO. We hope to catch up with him in the coming weeks for a quick interview to suss him out, and his thoughts on the job ahead for hockey in Victoria.

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