Volleyball Ireland has announced the resignation of Chief Executive Officer Gary Stewart, marking the end of a transformative seven-year tenure that has seen the sport grow significantly in Ireland.
Stewart, who joined the organisation in 2018, the year after he was named in the Sport for Business PwC 30 under 30 list. He will step down from his role in July, and an announcment of where he is going, staying within Irish sport, is imminent.
Under his leadership, Volleyball Ireland has experienced a period of remarkable development, both on and off the court.
The number of licensed players, coaches, and referees has tripled, while annual revenue has increased from €400,000 to €1.4 million. The organisation’s staff has also expanded from just four to 11 employees.
Notably, Stewart’s tenure included Ireland becoming the first member of the Small Countries Association to host a European Championship finals.
Volleyball Ireland also launched a new brand identity, created by Patrick Murphy of Branding Sport after a Coivid-era competition on Sport for Business, and opened the country’s first inland beach volleyball courts.
In 2022, Volleyball Ireland was named National Governing Body of the Year at the Irish Sport Industry Awards, one of several achievements that highlighted Stewart’s impact.
President of Volleyball Ireland, Clodagh Nic Canna, praised Stewart’s leadership and legacy.
“Over the past seven years, Gary has transformed Volleyball Ireland, leading us from strength to strength and taking our organisation to heights we never imagined,” she said.
“His dedication, passion, and deep connection to the sport have left an indelible mark. Whilst we will miss Gary, I am confident that we are in excellent shape to embrace this change, recruit an excellent replacement and continue on our excellent growth trajectory.”
Reflecting on his decision to step down, Stewart described it as the most difficult of his career.
“It’s been a real honour to serve the Volleyball Ireland community over the last seven years. The decision to leave has been the hardest of my career, purely because the people in our community are so incredible,” he said.
“Volleyball is in great shape, with high quality motivated staff, amazing volunteers on commissions and in clubs, and a visionary and professional Board. I have absolutely no doubt Volleyball Ireland will go from strength to strength, and I can’t wait to follow the progress as Volleyball Ireland’s biggest fan.”
The recruitment process for a new CEO will begin immediately with details to appear on the Sport for Business Jobs in Sport page.
Further Reading for Sport for Business members:
Check out Sport for Business coverage of Industry Movers
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
His list of achievements is there for all to see and the impact he leaves is huge. That he did so wearing it lightly and always having time to look at the bigger picture is a credit to him.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
We will have breaking news of Stewart’s new role in the very near future. He is a guest speaker at tomorrow morning’s Sport for Business PwC 30 Under 30.
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