SYDNEY (Australia) - Basketball Australia have announced that Melissa King is to serve as CEO of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 Local Organising Committee.

The tournament is to be staged in Sydney from 22 September to 1 October 2022, with Australia having previously hosted the event in 1994.

King, the former CEO of Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA),  will be responsible for driving and delivering the commercial and strategic priorities for the Women’s World Cup.

"I am excited about the enormous opportunity hosting the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup provides the sport and the chance to take women's basketball to the next level in this country," King said.

"We look forward to delivering a memorable event that exceeds all expectations and is worthy of these incredible athletes and our passionate Australian basketball community."

The first female CEO of one of Australia's most iconic and trusted organisations, SLSA, King was instrumental in navigating the organisation through a time of change and growth, including business and digital transformation, Sport and Active Recreation Review, and Safeguarding Children and Young People.

She presided over the organisation of The Australian Surf Life Saving Championships and Coolangatta Gold as well as Australia's participation in the Lifesaving World Championships.

"We are very pleased to secure a CEO of Melissa's calibre and experience, and confident her knowledge and leadership will help us deliver the best-ever Basketball World Cup, men's or women, and leave a lasting legacy for basketball in this country," said LOC Board Chairman and Deputy Chairman of Basketball Australia, David Reid.

"The appointment of Melissa is integral to ensuring we successfully leverage the momentum women's basketball is experiencing in this country and abroad."

Australia finished second at the Women's World Cup 2018 in Spain

King has a broad range of experience. She is a non-executive director with the United Nations Association of Australia (UNAA).

As well as running her own business advisory consultancy, she previously held roles in marketing, communications, sponsorship, events, business development and fundraising with organisations including Sydney Opera House, Department of Prime Minister & Cabinet – APEC Australia 2007 Taskforce, Commonwealth Youth Games, and the Governance Institute.

As the host nation, Australia has automatic entry to the World Cup. It is the first time the country has staged the event since 1994.

Four FIBA Qualifying Tournaments will be held in February 2022 to determine the other 11 national teams in the World Cup field.

FIBA