Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games CEO Cindy Hook to step down

Cindy Hook (Photo from The Australian)

Cindy Hook, the chief executive officer of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games organising committee, will step down at the end of her four-year contract later this year.

The organisers announced her decision on Tuesday, a week after unveiling the official emblems for the Games.Hook, who was appointed in December 2022, said she was proud of the work done to build the organisation and prepare for the event. She believes the committee is now ready for new leadership as preparations move forward.“As CEO, I am proud to have built the organization from the ground up, set the Games Vision and Games Plan, designed and executed a clear strategy, created the brand narrative and launched incredible emblems, and driven early market momentum,” Hook said, as quoted by news agency AP, in the statement.

“The foundations for success have been well laid. This is the right time to hand over to a new CEO."

The organisers said the search for her replacement would begin immediately to ensure a smooth change in leadership as the project moves from early planning to operational work and event delivery.

Organisers praise Hook's contribution

Brisbane 2032 president Andrew Liveris praised Hook for building the committee from a small startup into an established organisation.

“Cindy has been an exceptional leader whose passion, drive and strategic intellect has set Brisbane 2032 up for success,” Liveris said.He also credited her with building a strong team and putting proper financial management and governance systems in place.

Australian Olympic Committee president Ian Chesterman said Hook had helped lay the groundwork for a successful Games and a lasting legacy for Australia.“Her leadership has laid strong foundations for the successful delivery of the Games in 2032,” Chesterman said.Brisbane 2032 board director Rebecca Frizelle also praised Hook's leadership and commitment.

Brisbane prepares for historic Games

Brisbane was awarded the 2032 Olympics in July 2021 and will become the third Australian city to host the Summer Games, after Melbourne in 1956 and Sydney in 2000.Hook previously served as CEO of Deloitte Asia Pacific while based in Singapore before taking charge of the Brisbane organising committee. Her departure comes as preparations enter a new phase, with organisers now looking for a successor to lead the next stages of planning and delivery.