James Sutherland originally joined the Champions of Change Sport Group in 2017 in his then role as CEO of Cricket Australia.
He began as CEO of Golf Australia in 2020, and in that capacity oversees the national governing body responsible for the administration of golf. A key area of focus for Golf Australia is Vision 2025; a national initiative designed to inspire more girls and women to play and engage with golf.
The role includes close working relationships with Australian state associations and professional entities (PGA and ALPG), as well as leading international bodies such as the R&A, USGA, International Golf Federation and leading professional men’s and women’s tours.
In addition to his role at Golf Australia, James sits on the board of cricket’s T20 World Cup 2022, the AFL’s Geelong Football Club, and is chairman of PlayHQ, a technology platform for community sport. James was the inaugural Chair of COMPPS – the Coalition of Major Participation and Professional Sports – serving in that role for 10 years.
James Sutherland was educated at Melbourne University and qualified as a chartered accountant, working for Ernst & Young before moving into sports management. He participated in the Executive Program at Stanford University in 2011 and is a Graduate Member of the AICD.
Updates from the Sport Group
Champions of Change Sport
James Sutherland is a Member of the Champions of Change Sport Group established in 2015. The Sport Group includes leaders from every major sport in Australia, and of some of Australia’s most successful sporting clubs. The group is focused on advancing women in leadership, pay equality and creating safe, respectful and inclusive sporting environments.