Sports Technologies Network announces strategic leadership restructure

March 28, 2024

The Australian Sports Technologies Network (ASTN) - the leading industry body for sports technology and innovation - has today announces key changes to its leadership team and Board of Directors.

Within its staff complement, Amy Crosland, currently Manager of Program Operations and Projects will step into the role of Chief Operating Officer to focus on business development and operations. Crosland has been integral in driving ASTN’s growth and development over the past 15 months, with a particular focus on women in sports tech initiatives and Queensland special projects.

Cam Vale, General Manager Operations will assume the position of Chief Financial Officer to oversee all financial operations for ASTN. Vale, who joined the organisation in early 2022, has been instrumental in the driving the commercialisation of ASTN including building its member base and partner network.

ASTN has also welcomed Nikita Vogel as Queensland Manager.

With over six years of experience working with startups across sectors of sports and technology, Vogel specialises in capital raising, event and project management, marketing, commercialisation, sponsorship and stakeholder engagement.

She will spearhead all Queensland strategy and opportunities for ASTN.

Announcing the appointment, ASTN Executive Chair, Dr Martin Schlegel stated “Nikita has been a key leader in the sportstech space for many years. With unparalleled industry connections and a wealth of experience guiding startups to ensure their continued growth and success – we are confident that Nikita will be an incredible asset to the ASTN team.

“Nikita’s appointment reinforces ASTN’s focus and growth in the QLD region. With various pre-accelerator and investment-ready sessions planned, alongside our Female Founders program under Advance Queensland. Nikita will play a pivotal role in managing and supporting these initiatives, as well as providing guidance to our Queensland sportstech startup network.”

Looking forward to her new role, Vogel noted “it’s a privilege to join ASTN.

“I’m looking forward to working with Queensland’s growing entrepreneurial talent and contributing to ASTN’s local programs, to help nurture the local sportstech ecosystem in the lead up to Brisbane 2032 and beyond.”

Board transition
Changes on the ASTN Board have seen John Persico leave after six years of dedicated and invaluable service to pursue new opportunities.

Jasmine DeBono, Tourism Industry and Business Events Specialist as well as Shaun Bajada, Executive Director of the Australian Sporting Goods Association (ASGA) have also resigned from their positions as Vice Chair and Board Member.

Dr Schlegel noted “on behalf of ASTN, I’d like to thank Jasmine, Shaun and John for their significant contributions to the Board. Their profound industry expertise, invaluable guidance, and extensive industry networks have been integral to ASTN’s progress. As they embark on new journeys, we wish them every success in their future endeavours.”.

ASTN strengthens its board with ASICE Advisory Council members

Australian Sports Innovation Centre for Excellence (ASICE) Advisory Council members Lisa Hasker, Chief Executive of Vicsport and Business Executive Ron Gauci have also joined ASTN Board.

ASICE, which recently celebrated its two-year anniversary, is ‘super cluster’ of sport innovation designed to accelerate local sportstech growth and attract national and international partnership opportunities for Victoria.

Dr Schlegel added “our ASICE Advisory Council members have been invaluable in fostering the expansion of our Melbourne initiatives. We look forward to having Hasker and Gauci join the ASTN Board of Directors to help guide the Centre through its next phase of growth.

“The restructure of our leadership team and Board reflects a new direction and renewed focus for ASTN. As we continue to evolve and adapt to the dynamic landscape of the sportstech sector, these leadership changes help us to evolve, improve our impact, foster innovation and drive sustainable growth within Australia’s sportstech ecosystem.”

“We look forward to the year ahead, and continuing to work with our members, stakeholders, partners, startups and entrepreneurs to achieve new heights.”

Hasker and Gauci join Angela Dahlke on the ASTN Board of Directors. One additional board vacancy is soon to be filled as the Board considers several candidates.

Click here for more information on the ASTN board.

Image (from left): ASTN board members Lisa Hasker and Ron Gauci, Chief Operating Officer Amy Crosland, Chief Financial Officer Cam Vale and Queensland Manager Nikita Vogel.

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