New Chair for Snow Australia as Dean Gosper steps down in planned transition

Dean Gosper has officially announced his retirement as Chair of Snow Australia, with current vice-President and Director Daniel Bosco appointed unanimously by the Board as his successor in the role. 

Daniel Bosco will immediately commence his tenure as Chair of the Board, in a transition that was timed to occur at the beginning of the current Olympic cycle and to ensure an orderly succession. 

Bosco, whose professional background is Civil Engineering and more recently as Director of a multinational construction materials distribution company, has also served as Chair of NSW Freestyle and as Chair of NSW Snowsports through the unification period. After his unanimous election, he said he was extremely proud to be associated with an organisation that has achieved so much over the past two decades.

“Dean has led a Board and an organisation which has provided a strong foundation for the sport, and the stability and credibility to become a benchmark for sport administration. I am very grateful for the opportunity to lead such a strong Board and continue to build upon this legacy,” Bosco said.

Gosper was elected as President of Ski & Snowboard Australia (SSA) in 2003 and led the organisation through the unification process with state bodies Snowsports ACT and NSW Snowsports, and the subsequent transition towards Snow Australia. He also presided over a period of political stability and growth in the sport, emphasising the organisation’s capacity to support young athletes and delivered the successful integration of Para Snowsports - which not only strengthened the Para athletes but also had a profound impact on our able bodied programs.

“Having the opportunity to work with so many wonderful and dedicated people within snowsports and the broader industry has certainly been a highlight of these years,” said Gosper, who was also instrumental in the re-organisation of Victorian Interschools to strengthen the alliance between schools, resorts and the sport.

 “The unification of the sport is of particular significance because it allowed us to speak with one voice, but operate regionally. This remains an enviable exception in Australian sport administration. A pet-favourite of mine is also the change of name to Snow Australia, which focuses on our highly valued and unifying terrain, rather than our various items of equipment.

“And, of course, the building of a high quality team, both on and off the hill. This includes building the financial strength of the organisation and the services and facilities it is able to offer athletes, the best example being the National Snowsports Training Centre in Jindabyne,” Gosper said.

In stepping down, Gosper added that the sport remains in very capable hands, wishing Daniel Bosco, his Board, CEO Michael Kennedy and the Snow Australia team even greater success.

“We are all privileged to be involved in snowsports and I cannot think of a better person than Daniel to lead our organisation and its people into such an exciting future. Snow Australia is well resourced to support its athletes and continue to develop champions,” Gosper said.

Dean Gosper will continue his active involvement in the sport as a Director of both Snow Australia and the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia, and as a Council member of the International Ski & Snowboard Federation, a position he has held since 2010.

“The achievements of Dean and others before me have provided a strong foundation for the sport, which we will be continuing to build upon,” Bosco commented. 

“The Board will remain focussed on guiding our organisation to deliver an environment where athletes and coaches are supported to remain at the centre of our success. We will also continue to maintain a strong connection to the community, embracing all levels of participation and performance.

“Australia punches well above its weight in snowsports and this is thanks to our partnership with the resorts, the hard work of our volunteers, government investment and a strong community of people, who all play a part in building confidence around every aspect of our delivery. 
 
“I am excited about the future of snowsports and I look forward to working with the many good people who come together to ensure we continue to advance,” Bosco concluded.