Surfing Queensland is pleased to announce the appointment of lifetime surf industry professional Mark Flanagan to the role of CEO to deliver on growth plans for the organisation.
Formerly of Rip Curl, Mark has spent his career driving the development of surfing at every level – from groms through to international athletes, while boosting the participation of women in the sport through national initiatives, and engaging with surf schools and boardriders clubs across the country.
With extensive experience in events and partnerships, Mark most recently led a reshaping of Rip Curl’s athlete and events strategy to expand the brand’s influence beyond core surfers.
Surfing Queensland Chairperson Julian Blanchard said Mark’s experience across events, partnerships, athletes and the environment would take Surfing Queensland to the next level.
“Surfing is undergoing a major evolution as the traditional surf brands invest elsewhere, and broader lifestyle brands move in. Meanwhile, surfing has never been bigger and we’re seeing more women and young people taking it up,” said Blanchard.
“Mark understands how this industry is evolving and has been a key player in the evolution of Rip Curl’s role in the sport for many years. We are thrilled he is joining Surfing Queensland and leading this organisation as we prepare for the 2032 Olympics here in Queensland.”
Flanagan has enjoyed an impactful trajectory during his career with Rip Curl, working closely with the World Surf League, while expanding GromSearch from a regional event series into a global event platform that has seen more than 40,000 participants across 20 countries.
He’s also been on the Rip Curl Pro board of management for over 10 years, implementing key initiatives with the WSL and corporate partners on the longest running professional event on tour. Sitting on Rip Curl’s Environment Committee, he has also contributed to the brand achieving B Corp status.
Flanagan, who will relocate from Torquay, Victoria, for the role said he was excited for the future of surfing in Queensland.
“Surfing is quintessentially Queensland, and I’m excited to have an opportunity to help shape the sport’s future here in the Sunshine State,” said Flanagan.
“With Surfing Queensland celebrating its 60th year this year, I am honoured to join an organisation with such a proud and iconic legacy, and I look forward to growing its impact and support of surfing, and surfers, even further.”
Flanagan commences in his new role on 8 November, with General Manager Alan Biggs currently taking on Acting CEO duties.
Surfing Queensland will celebrate its 60th anniversary next month, with its annual Golf Day at Royal Pines Resort on Friday 1 November. Held to raise funds for its junior high performance program, the Surfing Queensland Academy, it will see a host of life members and legendary surfers honoured alongside fun on the fairway. Tickets start at $1000 for a team of four.
For more information please visit: www.surfingqueensland.org/2024golfday
About Surfing Queensland
Surfing Queensland was established in 1964 and over its’ 60 years has developed into a thriving sporting association committed to the development of this great sport. Surfing Queensland is the recognised not-for-profit peak State body of a National Association entrusted and committed to the development of the sport of surfing and the education of the general public on surf safety and surf survival.
