Source:  www.insidethegames.biz by Tom Degun in Christchurch

January 18 - Leading sports administrator Kereyn Smith (pictured) has taken up her role as secretary general of the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) and become the first woman to lead the organisation in its 100-year history.

Smith, who was appointed in October, brings more than 20 years' experience in sport leadership and governance and was selected for her strong leadership ability, strategic expertise and commercial and financial acumen.

NZOC President Mike Stanley said he was delighted to welcome Smith to the team as they step up their preparation for the London 2012 Olympic Games next year.

"With just 18 months until the London Olympic Games and a changing high-performance environment, Kereyn will maximise the value NZOC adds to sport, athletes, commercial partners and all New Zealanders," he said.

Smith said: "New Zealand athletes are committed to achievement at the very highest level.

"In the changing and fast-paced world of high-performance sport, this is increasingly challenging.

"NZOC must play a strong leadership role in ensuring our athletes and sports have what they require to succeed.

"I am committed to delivering the strategic direction and financial security to achieve this.

"It is exciting to be part of this drive for success."

Smith will be based at the NZOC Olympic Committee head office in Wellington although the role will see her regularly travelling the country.

Meanwhile Barry Maister, Smith's predecessor as NZOC secretary general and a former international hockey player who was part of the New Zealand gold medal-winning team at the Montreal 1976 Games, will continue to sit on the Board in his role as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Maister, who became an IOC member in February 2010, was last month appointed to the newly-established Entourage Commission at the IOC to address matters relating to the relationship between athletes and their coaches, agents and other support staff.

The Commission is chaired by IOC Executive Board member and Olympic pole vaulter Sergey Bubka and includes Sir Clive Woodward, the current director of elite performance at the British Olympic Association, Ireland's Pat McQuaid, the President of the UCI, and American gold medal-winning ice hockey player Angela Ruggiero.

Maister also sits on the IOC Bid Evaluation Committee that is due to visit Annecy, Pyeongchang and Munich, the cities campaigning for the 2018 Olympics and Paralympics.