Andrew Stark joins World Surf League as General Manager, Australia & Oceania.

Andrew Stark Joins WSL as General Manager, Australia & Oceania

The World Surf League (WSL) today announced the appointment of Andrew Stark as its General Manager, WSL, for Australia & Oceania. Stark will lead the day-to-day operations of WSL in the Australia & Oceania Region with particular focus on Partnerships, Marketing and Public Relations, Event Operations as well as the development of the first WSL High Performance Training Center in the region, leveraging the Kelly Slater Technology. With Australia & Oceania being the home of four iconic Championship Tour (CT) locations (Snapper, Bells, Margaret River and Tahiti), the region’s commercial development remains critical for the long-term prospects of WSL.

Based on the Gold Coast, Australia, Stark is an experienced, passionate surfer, and joins WSL after successfully serving as CEO for Surfing Australia for 9 ½ years, where he furthered his reputation as a world-class sports administrator, growing the business commercially and starting the now thriving Surfing Australia High Performance Centre (HPC) which is based at Casuarina Beach, Northern New South Wales.

“WSL is fortunate to attract another exceptionally well-respected leader in world sport, as we continue to build out our leadership team. We are very lucky to have so many loyal Australian fans, a territory where Andrew will be critical for us as we further develop the surf markets in this country and the fast-evolving Oceania territory,” Sophie Goldschmidt, WSL CEO, said. “Andrew brings unrivaled surf experience and pedigree from this region and will accelerate the opportunities that exist, we can’t wait to see the positive influence he has on the region and WSL.”

Andrew Stark said, “I am genuinely excited by this opportunity to join the WSL leadership team and grow the sport globally to new heights over the coming years. The next few years ahead represent what I believe to be the most exciting growth opportunity and period for global professional surfing in the history of the sport. To be able to work with the WSL and Kelly Slater Wave Co team during this exciting period for the sport is something I am extremely motivated and passionate about.

“I leave Surfing Australia after 9 ½ years with absolute satisfaction and pride in the true legacy we have built as a team and I look forward to working with Surfing Australia in my new role at WSL to grow the region further.”

Home of the world’s best surfing, the WSL celebrates multiple disciplines of the sport – men’s and women’s shortboard, longboard and big wave – and has crowned the undisputed men’s and women’s champions since 1976.

Led by reigning two-time WSL Champions John John Florence (HAW) and Tyler Wright (AUS), a cross-section of the world’s best surfers will next be seen at the Founders’ Cup of Surfing presented by Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold, from May 5 – 6, 2018.

For more information, check out WSLFoundersCup.com or WorldSurfLeague.com.

Gold Coast Magazine

Gold Coast Magazine

Our in-house team and affiliates bringing you the latest in Culture, Lifestyle and Entertainment from around the globe and the great stories of the Gold Coast

In a surprising turn of events, Black Hops Brewery announced today via social media that the company would be entering voluntary administration

In a surprising turn of events, Black Hops Brewery announced today via social media that the company would be entering voluntary administration

Widespread media reports are announcing the cancellation of the 2024 Splendour in the Grass Event just two weeks after they announced this years lineup.

Widespread media reports are announcing the cancellation of the 2024 Splendour in the Grass Event just two weeks after they announced this years lineup.

Uncover the secret to an unforgettable Easter feast with Elk Espresso's tantalizing Bird's Nest Hotcakes - your taste buds won't want to miss this!

Uncover the secret to an unforgettable Easter feast with Elk Espresso’s tantalizing Bird’s Nest Hotcakes – your taste buds won’t want to miss this!

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, Zanthii Communications' Director, Joanne Rahn, and her mother, Marilyn West, recently hosted their 18th consecutive Sovereign Islands &

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, Zanthii Communications’ Director, Joanne Rahn, and her mother, Marilyn West, recently hosted their 18th consecutive Sovereign Islands & Surrounds Monthly Community Luncheon

With the Rip Curl Pro on the horizon, Bells Beach is set to become the ultimate battleground for surfing's finest, where adrenaline-pumping action and perfect

With the Rip Curl Pro on the horizon, Bells Beach is set to become the ultimate battleground for surfing’s finest, where adrenaline-pumping action and perfect waves collide across the easter break

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Boo Seeka as we explore the creative process behind his latest album 'Midnight Highlight' and gear up for

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Boo Seeka as we explore the creative process behind his latest album ‘Midnight Highlight’ and gear up for his nationwide tour

Discover Act of Treason: Australia's pioneering agave spirit reshaping the global landscape. Read more about its innovative journey in Queensland

Discover Act of Treason: Australia’s pioneering agave spirit reshaping the global landscape. Read more about its innovative journey in Queensland

Dine amidst nature at Farm & Co Restaurant in the Tweed Valley. Offering farm-fresh, organic eats on a 52-acre farm, it's a perfect mix of

Dine amidst nature at Farm & Co Restaurant in the Tweed Valley. Offering farm-fresh, organic eats on a 52-acre farm, it’s a perfect mix of rustic charm and gourmet flavours.