Surfing Australia Appoints Chris Symington as new CEO

Surfing Australia is proud to announce the appointment of Chris Symington as its new Chief Executive Officer. 

With over 25 years of experience across the sports industry, Symington has held roles spanning grassroots through to executive leadership, including professional league CEO and sport strategy consultant. Known for his collaborative leadership style, Symington has a strong track record in building sustainable and innovative sporting organisations.

Symington is no stranger to Surfing Australia, having previously served on the organisation’s executive team from 2009 to 2017 through a period of significant growth. During this time, he played a leading role in the development of key initiatives including SurfGroms, mySURFtv, the expansion of the Surfing Australia High Performance Centre, and the launch of the Australian Adaptive Surfing Titles.

Following his time at Surfing Australia, Symington was appointed CEO of the Super Netball League, where he led the organisation through a period of major governance reform and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. During his tenure, he helped lay the foundations for the league securing the largest broadcast deal in its history.

Over the past six years, Chris has worked as a highly sought-after advisor across the global sports ecosystem, consulting to leading organisations including the International Olympic Committee, Australian Olympic Committee, Olympic Winter Institute of Australia, Australian Sports Commission, Cricket Australia, Hockey Australia, the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, FIBA, and the World Surf League. A highlight project during this period included working with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the National Rugby League (NRL) on the establishment of a new NRL franchise in Papua New Guinea, set to enter the competition in 2028.

Speaking on his appointment, Chris Symington said:

“Surfing has the unique power to change lives and create meaningful social impact, and I’m incredibly excited by the opportunity to help lead the organisation through its next phase of growth. Great sports organisations are built on strong communities, great people and innovative thinking, and that’s exactly what we will continue to focus on. I’m looking forward to working with our athletes, staff, partners and the broader surfing community to build an even stronger future for the sport.”

Welcoming the appointment and highlighting Chris Symington’s deep connection to the organisation, Surfing Australia Acting CEO Adrian ‘Ace’ Buchan said:

“A Gold Coast local, father of four and lifelong surfer, Chris brings with him an intimate knowledge of Surfing Australia as the co-architect of some Surfing Australia’s legacy programs and the establishment of High Performance Centre. His time as CEO at Super Netball and work as a consultant across the sporting landscape position him extremely well to lead our organisation with a unique blend of authenticity, innovation and mentorship for our staff. I’m excited for the next chapter and to work with him at a Board level.” 

Endorsing the appointment and its alignment with Surfing Australia’s strategic direction, Acting Chair Graham Brimage said:

“Chris has a career trajectory that is a compelling platform to now step into the lead executive role at Surfing Australia. Surfing Australia is confident it has recruited the ideal person as its new CEO to bring to life our Purpose – building a healthier, happier Australia through Surfing!”

On a personal level, Chris is a passionate surfer with a strong belief in the power of sport to create positive social change. He is also the proud father of four daughters.

Chris will be based at the Surfing Australia High Performance Centre in Casuarina, NSW, and will officially commence in the role on the 13th April 2026.

At that time, current Acting CEO Adrian ‘Ace’ Buchan will step down and resume his role as Surfing Australia Chairman, following eight years of service to the Board.

Surfing Australia is incredibly excited to welcome Chris into the role and is looking forward to the leadership and experience he will bring.