Jane Fernandez appointed CEO of Sydney NWC 2027
The Netball Australia Board has today announced the appointment of highly experienced sports administrator Jane Fernandez as the permanent Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 (NWC2027).
Ms Fernandez, who has served as Interim Deputy CEO since May, will lead the Local Organising Committee through the next phase of planning and delivery ahead of the tournament, 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. Mr Falvo will also assume a director role on Netball Events, the company responsible for delivering NWC2027.
Ms Fernandez brings more than 20 years’ experience across major sporting events and senior executive roles, with extensive expertise in major-event strategy, leadership, operational delivery and stakeholder management.
Her previous roles 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, Ms Fernandez served as Executive General Manager – Operations for Rugby World Cup 2027 Australia before taking on the role of Interim CEO of NWC2027 following Mr Falvo’s appointment as Interim CEO of Netball Australia.
Quote attributable to Netball Australia and NWC2027 Chair Liz Ellis AO:
“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.
“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.
“Hosting the world’s best netballers in Sydney is a tremendous opportunity to showcase our sport on the global stage. We are ambitious about what the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 can achieve – not only in delivering an outstanding experience for athletes, fans and our international netball community, but in inspiring new audiences, growing the sport and creating a lasting legacy for netball in Australia and around the world.”
Quote attributable to newly appointed NWC2027 CEO Jane Fernandez:
“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.
“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.
“Having led and worked across some of the world’s major sporting events, I know the unique opportunity we have ahead of us. Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 provides a global platform to showcase the strength and excitement of international netball, connect with new audiences and inspire more people to engage with and participate in our sport.
“I am incredibly excited about what we can achieve together and look forward to working with our partners, stakeholders and the wider netball community to deliver an outstanding tournament and leave a lasting legacy for the sport.”
Ms Fernandez’s appointment as CEO is effective immediately.
The NWC2027 is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and events agency, Destination NSW, and the Australian Government.