The Canterbury West Coast Sports Trust is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Chief Executive for Sport Canterbury. He is Geoff Barry, an accomplished educator, sportsman and coach, who comes to the position after nine years as Chief Executive of Surf Life Saving New Zealand.

Geoff Barry, formerly a Dean and teacher of economics at Christchurch Boys' High School, holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Canterbury, a Christchurch College of Education Diploma and a Certificate in Teaching. With strong leadership and management skills and a deep understanding of the sport sector, Geoff Barry was considered the ideal applicant for the Chief Executive position, said Tom Doocey, Chair of the Trust Board.

"We believe Geoff's experience in all facets of governance and management in leading successful organizations and teams within the education and sporting arenas, will be of huge value to Sport Canterbury.

"He is an excellent communicator with an ability to motivate through setting a positive example, through hard work and commitment. We are excited about working with Geoff and his many abilities including his strengths in creating opportunities and to increase the profile of the trust."

While serving as CEO for Surf Life Saving New Zealand, Geoff Barry was elected as the Chairman of the National Sporting Organisations CEO Forum. He subsequently led the development of the National Lifesaving Strategy that has also been adopted by the International Lifesaving Association. He was National Surf Life Saving Coach from 1993-1999, and chairman and coach of the South Brighton Surf Lifesaving Club from 1985-2000.

Geoff Barry will take up his new position with Sport Canterbury on 22 March, 2010.