Carruthers, who has been appointed for three years, begins the role this month and takes over from Matt Whineray, who announced he was stepping down earlier this year.
Carruthers has a long record of governance and leadership in New Zealand, including serving as chairman of TVNZ, the New Zealand Film Commission and the New Zealand Arts Council. He is the chairman of the Cornwall Park Trust Board.
He has previously been the chief executive of two commercial law firms and is a director of several commercial and public entities.
‘‘Netball has been treasured by generations of girls, women and New Zealanders for over 100 years,” Carruthers said.
‘‘I love the game and it’s a privilege to step into this next phase of stewardship and development, amid a period of great change, challenge and opportunity across the sporting landscape.’’
He joins the board after a period of turmoil, including the standing down of Silver Ferns coach Noeline Taurua last year and chief executive Jennie Wyllie’s resignation.
Former Silver Fern Anna Galvan has also been elected to the board, after more than 80 applications for independent director roles.
She was the chairwoman of the Christchurch Netball Centre, served as a board director at the Netball Sports Centre and sits on the Tactix management committee.
‘‘Netball is in my DNA,’’ Galvan said.
‘‘It has shaped who I am as a leader and as a person.
‘‘I want our sport to thrive, not only for my daughters, but for my daughters’ daughters, and the children who want to play netball in future generations.’’
They join elected board members Sue Gordon and Lynette Rayner.
NNZ president Tina Karaitiana called Carruthers and Galvan’s appointments a ‘‘huge win for New Zealand’s netball community’’.
Carruthers will oversee the appointment of a permanent chief executive and will join the board of appointments panel to fill the three independent director vacancies. — Allied Media
