Cycling Southland announce new GM

An Invercargill woman with an impressive business/corporate background has been appointed as Cycling Southland general manager.

Nicola Wills, currently business development manager at Craig’s Design and Print, will start in the role on January 14.

It was announced in October that current general manager Mark Hotton was to step down in early 2019 to take up a position with major Tour of Southland sponsor SBS Bank.

Cycling Southland president Reece McDonald said a robust process was undertaken to identify the right person for the role and Nicola met all the requirements that the board was seeking.

“We had some strong candidates, which made it a challenging process, but Nicola’s background in the corporate/business world made her the ideal option.

“Ironically, she’s had a long stint with SBS Bank moving from a customer service role into project roles at head office, as well as a role with Venture Southland as a community development team leader. She’s been with Craig’s for a year now in that business development role.

“She’s got great business experience and is used to dealing with various stakeholders so we think she’s ideal.”

Nicola said she had always been interested in sports administration and was looking forward to the challenge that the new role would provide.

“It might be a not-for-profit organisation but there’s still a need to run a slick business to maximise opportunities and provide the best benefits back to our members, sponsors and key stakeholders.”

She has taken part in several Corporate Pursuit events, while the self-described “weekend warrior” has also taken part in Cycling Southland’s Wednesday Worlds race, although that “was pre-children”, she said.

“I was really attracted to the role because Cycling Southland is one of the pinnacle sporting organisations in Southland and one of the most well-respected cycling organisations in the country. It runs an amazing Tour of Southland each year and has a fantastic facility, so to be GM of an organisation that’s so successful is really exciting.”

Reece said SBS Bank had been incredibly flexible with its start date for Mark, which would allow for a good handover period and a smooth transition.