Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 (NWC2027) has announced the appointment of Jane Fernandez as its permanent Chief Executive Officer, as preparations continue for netball’s biggest international event.
Having served as Interim Deputy CEO since May, Fernandez will now lead the Local Organising Committee through the next phase of planning and delivery for the tournament, which will take place in Sydney from 25 August to 5 September 2027.
Her appointment follows the confirmation of Mark Falvo as the full-time CEO of Netball Australia, with Falvo also joining the NWC2027 board as a director.
Fernandez brings more than two decades of experience in major sporting events and senior leadership roles. Her impressive career includes serving as Chief Operating Officer for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia 2023, Head of Sport at the Australian Olympic Committee, and Tournament Director for the AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015.
Most recently, she held the role of Executive General Manager – Operations for Rugby World Cup 2027 Australia before joining NWC2027 in an interim leadership capacity.
NWC2027 Chair Liz Ellis AO welcomed the appointment, describing it as an important step for the future of both the tournament and the sport.
Ellis highlighted the value of having two highly experienced sports administrators—Mark Falvo and Jane Fernandez—leading key areas of Australian netball as preparations for the World Cup continue to accelerate.
She also praised Fernandez’s extensive experience in delivering major international events, noting that her appointment provides valuable continuity as NWC2027 enters a critical stage of tournament planning.
Fernandez said she was honoured to take on the role and lead the organisation through to the delivery of the event.
Having already worked closely with the NWC2027 team in her interim role, she said she had witnessed the passion, capability, and commitment of those working behind the scenes to deliver what organisers hope will be the biggest and best Netball World Cup yet.
With just one year remaining until the tournament, preparations will continue to build, with the One Year to Go milestone set to be celebrated at a special event in Sydney next week.
Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 is shaping up to be a landmark moment for the sport, with Jane Fernandez now set to lead the journey toward one of the world’s biggest netball events.
