The Coalition of Major Professional and Participation Sports (COMPPS) today announced that David Gallop AM, the CEO of Football Federation Australia, will become the new Chairperson of COMPPS, effective immediately, with James Sutherland stepping down as the current Chairperson following his resignation as CEO of Cricket Australia.

James Sutherland has held the position of Chairperson since COMPPS was formed in 2009, and has been CEO of Cricket Australia since 2001. He will officially vacate his role as CEO of Cricket Australia at their Annual General Meeting later this month.

Gallop is recognised as one of the leading sports administrators in Australia having been the CEO of Football Federation Australia since 2012 and was previously the CEO of the National Rugby League (NRL) from 2002 to 2012. David has also served as served as Deputy Chairman of the Australian Sports Commission, Secretary of the Rugby League International Federation and a member of the Asian Football Confederation Competitions Committee. In 2016 David was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in the General Division for significant services to sports administration through executive roles with football and rugby league organisations and to the community.

COMPPS Executive Director, Malcom Speed, paid tribute to James and his contribution to Australian Sport over the past 25 years and more recently as the Chairperson of COMPPS, and congratulated David on his new appointment.

“James has provided strong and sound leadership for the Chief Executives of the other sports that operate under the COMPPS banner. He is highly respected by the other Chief Executives and they have responded well to his leadership,” said Speed.

“David will be an excellent replacement for James with a wide experience across two major professional sports and his time as deputy chair of Sport Australia (Australian Sports Commission) provides him a great insight into the role government plays as a major stakeholder in sport,” concluded Speed.

James Sutherland congratulated Mr Gallop on his appointment to the role.

“COMPPS has been critical in ensuring sports work together to innovate and advocate across Australia for the best outcome for athletes, participants and the industry as a whole.

“COMPPS will continue to play a vital role in connecting the major participation sporting bodies as we strive to keep more Australian’s active.

“I congratulate David on his appointment as Chairperson and thank all members for their support during my tenure,” concluded Sutherland.

David Gallop also recognised James Sutherland’s legacy as chairperson of COMPPS and is looking forward to continuing to improve the status and voice of Sport in Australia.

” It has been a pleasure to work under the chairmanship of James – he has provided important leadership among the COMPPS members during his time on numerous matters affecting the industry.

“When the sports come together under COMPPS they are a powerful voice that represents millions of Australians in advocating for positions that enhance and protect the importance place that sport plays in the community.

“I look forward to continuing his good work for the betterment of professional and participation sports”, concluded Gallop.