Hockey India (HI) is set to appoint a new chief executive officer (CEO) after a hiatus of eight months following the resignation of Elena Norman in February. The decision was announced by HI president Dilip Tirkey, who stated that the appointment would be made after the conclusion of the Hockey India League (HIL).
Norman, an Australian, served as HI CEO for 13 years under the leadership of Narinder Batra. However, her tenure ended abruptly due to differences with the current management. HI had initially considered not appointing a new CEO, but Tirkey confirmed that the organization plans to hire one in the near future.
“We will appoint a new CEO. It is in our plans. We have been preoccupied about the organization of the Hockey India League (HIL) during this period which is why it couldn’t happen,” said Tirkey. “But it is in our plans. We will appoint someone in due time, but it is going to happen post the HIL.”
The relaunch of the HIL has been a priority for the Tirkey-led committee since their election in 2022. The league, which folded in 2017 after five editions, was revived on Friday amidst much fanfare.
HI secretary general Bhola Nath Singh stated that the new CEO will be an Indian and that the position will be advertised. “Yes we will appoint someone soon, but nothing has been decided yet. But that person will be an Indian for sure. We will advertise for the position,” said Singh.
The appointment of a new CEO is expected to bring stability and leadership to HI, which has faced challenges in recent years. The organization is hopeful that the new CEO will help drive the growth and development of hockey in India.
