GOLD COAST (Australia) - Basketball New Zealand Chief Executive Officer, Iain Potter is stepping down from his role at the end of October of this year.

Potter assumed the CEO post in September of 2012 and has provided immense contributions to the growth of New Zealand Basketball in the last nine years, highlighted by the President's Award, received at the FIBA Award Ceremony held in Beijing, China which recognizes the work, commitment, and positive impact on basketball made by the National Federation.

The amiable executive led the federation to new heights, including bringing the game to New Zealand with its participation at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Qualifiers and also hosting the first major women's FIBA tournament in New Zealand, the FIBA Women's Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament Asia-Oceania in 2019.

FIBA Vice President Burton Shipley honored Iain's contributions to the growth of basketball in New Zealand via statement:

"If ever there was a man who arrived at the right time in the right place for basketball it was Iain Potter.

“Iain commenced in 2012 when Basketball New Zealand was in strife and had an unsettled period of leadership, which showed everywhere from finances to the training of coaches, to international opportunities for players and the NBL. All were struggling for funding and for action. In his nine years, he has worked tirelessly and has moved most of the hard issues down the priority list.

“Iain’s achievements are many. From a FIBA perspective, having New Zealand teams participate in the Asia Cup and World Cup competitions has been great. The growth of basketball in New Zealand over the last 9 years must also be a highlight and something he should reflect on very positively.

“Funding for all these events has never been simple and Iain was always looking for a way to get the teams to the various tournaments.

“Coming in from outside basketball, Iain had a different perspective to most which has been very beneficial. He has always put people first and this always shone through.

"I wish Iain well for the future. He has left Basketball in New Zealand in a much stronger position than when he started, a goal we should aspire to. Thank you for all that you have done for our great sport."

FIBA