Bob Lay AM to retire & Tania Sullivan announced as CEO of The Sport Australia Hall of Fame

Outgoing General Manager Bob Lay AM, The Sport Australia Hall of Fame's first female Inductee Dawn Fraser AO MBE and incoming CEO Tania Sullivan

The Board of The Sport Australia Hall of Fame extends its gratitude to General Manager Robert (Bob) Lay AM who will retire at the end of 2016 and warmly congratulates Operations Manager, Tania Sullivan, who will take on the role of Chief Executive Officer in 2017.

As a nation that is passionate and proud of its sporting success, The Sport Australia Hall of Fame serves an essential role in ensuring current and future generations understand, appreciate and celebrate our sporting heritage. For the past 11 years, during his position as General Manager, Bob has led the organistation with great professionalism and an unwavering level of integrity and dedication.

Chairman John Bertrand AO said “Bob took the Hall of Fame to new heights and leaves behind an incredible legacy. It must be recognised that throughout Bob’s outstanding contribution, he has always performed above and beyond the call of duty”.

He added that Tania Sullivan is a natural choice for the role, saying "her values and principles perfectly align with The Sport Australia Hall of Fame - rarely does one come across someone so dedicated and committed and we have certainly found that person in Tania”.

Bob's enormous 50+ year career in the sporting industry was honoured with him being announced as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2015 Australia Day Honours listing for his significant service to sports administration and athletics through a range of executive positions, and to the community in general.

“The Sport Australia Hall of Fame has been a remarkable journey for me” Bob said, “from the staff who have worked alongside me, to the Board directors and Members, I have been very fortunate to be involved in an organisation that holds such a special place in our nation's heart”.

Bob, who is looking forward to retirement, said “I am so pleased to be leaving the organisation in such great shape. I wish Tania all the very best and I know she will excel as CEO”.

Tania joined the Hall of Fame in 2012 following a 15 year career with the Australian Olympic Committee and the Australian Commonwealth Games Association, where she served as Executive Director of the WA branches for 11 years.  During her tenure she played a major role in driving significant organisational change and was instrumental in delivering to the National Olympic & Commonwealth Games Team Appeals over $2.5 million in fundraising revenue.

Tania, who commenced her employment in the sports industry in 1984 has spent much of her career working within the elite Alumni of sport, with a particular focus on heritage and legacy. “I am very humbled and incredibly proud; career wise, this is a pinnacle role for me” Tania said of her appointment.

“It will be a great honour to lead our small team and work hand in hand with our inspirational Membership and high profile Board in our custodial role. I am a passionate advocate for preserving and celebrating the history of Australian sport and importantly ensuring we are leveraging it to excite the next generation and the broader community” she confirmed.

Tania paid tribute to Bob, thanking him for his leadership, friendship and legacy, adding “Bob’s hard work and clear direction over the past 11 years has paved the way for The Sport Australia Hall of Fame to now be regarded as the most prestigious sporting organisation in this country.  It has been a great privilege to work with Bob over many years, as he is one of the best in the business and without doubt the nicest too. I look forward to building on these foundations”.

The Board and staff congratulate both Bob and Tania as they embark on a new chapter in their journey and we wish them all the very best.