ILT Stadium Southland appoints new General Manager
“Jo really stood out for her leadership, management and strategic thinking skills. We are looking forward to seeing the results of these in due course."
Jo Hutton has been appointed as the new General Manager of ILT Stadium Southland.
Interim Chair of Stadium Southland Limited, Hayden Rankin, said the board was pleased with both the calibre and number of applicants for this sought-after position.
After a robust and considered process, Hutton was selected as the best person to take the venue forward, he said.
Jo Hutton has been part of the Invercargill City Council leadership team as its acting Group Manager for Community Engagement and Corporate Services.
Other previous roles include as a department store manager at H&J Smith Ltd.
“Jo really stood out for her leadership, management and strategic thinking skills. We are looking forward to seeing the results of these in due course,” Rankin said.
Hutton is also relishing the challenge of running an iconic Southland venue.
“I love ILT Stadium Southland and have often said how fortunate we are to have such an incredible and versatile world class facility in Southland.
“It’s fantastic how it can host top-level sporting events, shows and community festivals as well as being a hub for many recreational activities that promote wellbeing across our community.”
Rankin said the board utilised an international recruitment agency to find the right candidate for the General Manager position.
“We knew we needed to cast a wide net to ensure the best outcome.
“We have been fortunate to have Ryan Sycamore, our Operations Manager, to step up as Interim General Manager over this time. His excellent leadership has allowed us the time to be thorough and we are truly grateful to him and the team for that.
“We are absolutely delighted with the result.”
Hutton said that her first days in the role would be used getting to know the team whom she has previously had the pleasure of engaging with as a stadium user - meeting with key stakeholders and funders, and learning about the inner workings of the business.
“I already have plans in mind to take the stadium into the future but to lead a business and a team well, you have to understand it. No one walks in and knows everything on day one, nor should they think they do,” she said.
“I already feel that there is a vibrant team culture at the stadium so I will be working to enhance that by ensuring that our people feel valued and supported, right from day one.”
Hutton will officially start in the new position on 8 January 2024.