The Eden Park Trust has announced the appointment of Kereyn Smith CNZM as the new chair of the trust board.
Smith, who has been a board member since July 1, 2023, succeeds outgoing chair Alan Gourdie, who has now completed his term of nine years as a board member.
Smith’s extensive experience in governance and leadership roles across the sport, education, government, and major projects sectors will be instrumental as Eden Park continues to deliver on its mission to be a strategic asset for New Zealand and a community asset for Auckland. She will be the first woman to chair the Eden Park Trust Board, following the stadium hosting three Women’s World Cups that have left a significant legacy for women’s sport in New Zealand.
Highlighting her vision for Eden Park’s future, Smith said: “I feel privileged to be chairing The Eden Park Trust board. For over 120 years, we have collectively delivered a diverse range of exceptional live-event experiences, contributing socially and economically to New Zealand.
“There are exciting new opportunities ahead for Eden Park and I look forward to building on the work we have done to continue innovating and enhancing our reputation as a world-class stadium. To be the first woman to chair the board is another significant milestone in the history of Eden Park.”
Smith is presently providing advisory, consulting, and leadership services, including being an Expert Advisor for Portas, a premier global management company dedicated to sport and physical activity.
In a governance capacity, Smith was a vice-president of the Commonwealth Games Federation and on International Olympic Committee (IOC) Commissions, notably the IOC Evaluation Commission responsible for selecting the 2024 and 2028 Olympic Host City. She served as vice-president of International Netball following her work as chair of Netball New Zealand. She has also been a trustee of the Forsyth Barr Stadium, Council member of the University of Otago and director of the Highlanders rugby franchise, among other roles.
Smith was CEO of the New Zealand Olympic Committee for three Olympiads, following her time as CEO of the New Zealand Academy of Sport – South Island.
Smith was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to sports governance in the 2023 New Years Honours.
Smith was keen to express her gratitude for Gourdie’s three terms as a trustee.
“I speak on behalf of The Eden Park Trust Board when I say Alan’s leadership has been invaluable in shaping the future of Eden Park. During his tenure, the stadium has achieved many significant milestones, including the Fifa Women’s World Cup 2023 and, more recently, being recognised as Venue of the Year at the international TheStadiumBusiness Awards.
“Alan’s dedication has set an extremely high standard for board,” Smith said.
Reflecting on his time as a trustee, Gourdie said: “It has been an honour to lead Eden Park through a period of growth and legacy. My time as a trustee has been extremely rewarding, and together we have transformed this iconic landmark into a multipurpose venue, hosting a wide range of internationally renowned events.”
Eden Park CEO Nick Sautner said: “I’m delighted to welcome Kereyn as our new chair, she brings a wealth of experience and expertise to further support Eden Park’s aspirations. … We are looking forward to working with Kereyn as we continue to deliver on our vision for the stadium.
“On behalf of the Eden Park team, we would like to express our appreciation to Alan Gourdie for his time as chair and trustee. Alan has served on the trust board through nine years of a constantly evolving industry and has overseen a critical chapter for Eden Park. We are extremely grateful for his contribution.”
The Eden Park Trust Board is currently comprised of Smith (incoming chair), Nicholas Albrecht, Bill Birnie, Renata Blair, Greg Edmonds, Brendon Gibson, Andy Roberts, and Victoria Toon. The process of appointing a new replacement trustee is under way.
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