August 2021
Special Olympics Australia today announced that Pierre Comis has been appointed the Chief Executive Officer effective Monday 2 August 2021.
Special Olympics Australia National Chair Cameron Brownjohn said the appointment followed an extensive and extremely competitive selection process conducted in consultation with leadership advisory firm, Egon Zehnder.
“Pierre is an experienced sports administrator, strategic thinker, and engaging leader with a history of delivering results. He is an outstanding choice to lead our movement. His appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Special Olympics,” Mr. Brownjohn said.
“The Board is looking forward to working with Pierre to ensure we continue to deliver our vision of an inclusive Australia where people with intellectual disabilities live active, healthy, and fulfilling lives.”
Pierre joined Special Olympics in February 2020 as the Head of Schools and Participation to lead the organisation’s Inclusive Sport in Schools program. He has been the acting Chief Executive Officer since May 2021.
Mr. Comis said he thoroughly enjoyed the role and working with Special Olympics and the education community in implementing delivery of inclusive sport and physical activity in school settings.
“I’m excited for the opportunity and can see huge potential for our future. We are an important social cause, with a 45-year foundation in Australia. I’m proud to be part of improving access to sport, physical activity, and physical literacy for people with intellectual disability.”
“I’ll lead Special Olympics with a strong connection to my values of inclusion, innovation, and community, and a goal of enriching our athletes’ experience, supporting our volunteers, and valuing our supporters.”
Pierre is currently overseeing implementation of a significant project to design and deliver an Inclusive Sport in Schools program across NSW. Pierre is also Chair of the newly formed Physical Literacy Special Interest Group at the Australasian Society for Physical Activity, having previously served as Director of Physical Literacy Leadership and Director of National Participation Outcomes among other participation-based roles in a 12-year period at Sport Australia.