The Netball Queensland (NQ) Board of Directors has welcomed new director, Publicis managing director Simone Waugh.

Waugh (featured image) is a well-respected business leader, known for her extensive work in the not-for-profit sector and her history of helping young women grow and develop.

NQ Board Chair Jane Seawright said Waugh was a perfect fit for the NQ Board.

She commented: “Simone is a leading brand strategist, having shaped many of Queensland’s iconic brands in tourism, health, finance, education and has been specialising in behaviour change projects with youth.

“She is an experienced campaigner, advocating for girls and young women in a range of areas.

“She has lobbied relentlessly for the development of women in the workplace and believes strongly that sport has a role to play in building better communities.

“She has an extraordinary list of achievements to her name and she will be an asset to our Board.

Seawright added: “I am proud to welcome her to Netball Queensland.”

Waugh is the fourth woman to be appointed to the current Board of seven, alongside Chair Jane Seawright, Marie Kavanagh, and Kristin Devitt.

Seawright continued: “Gender diversity is a major issue facing boardrooms and one that Netball Queensland is proud to be tackling head on.

“The more diverse the decision-makers the better the quality of debate and the more robust the outcomes.”

Waugh is a co-founder of ThinkKind, an independent collective of creative problem solving of society’s most challenging issues.

She also founded Assisterhood, a mentorship program for young women who are looking to develop their skills and professional networks.

Waugh has a solid track record helping young women develop and Seawright said she was well suited to a role on the Netball Queensland Board.

Waugh replaces outgoing Board Director Chris King who has served on the Board since 2015.

Seawright thanked King for his significant contribution to the sport of netball and to Netball Queensland.

Seawright said: “Chris has made an enormous contribution to the transformation of Netball Queensland through his leadership and governance.

“I thank Chris for his tireless efforts to expand our sport, from a grassroots level to serving on the Board at Netball Queensland.

“He has worked hard to strengthen the organisation so we are better positioned to grow the sport at every level.”

Waugh’s appointment is effective immediately and her term extends to the annual general meeting in March 2020.