ELYSE JENKINS APPOINTED VICSPORT CEO

The Board of Vicsport is thrilled to announce the appointment of Elyse Jenkins as Chief Executive Officer of Vicsport, effective from 27 January 2026.

Originally from Tasmania where she worked for the Department of Justice, Elyse spent over a decade in the United Kingdom and has most recently served as Chief Policy Adviser (Home Affairs, Justice and Sport) to the UK Prime Minister, since 2022.

Elyse previously held roles in the UK Ministry of Justice as Deputy Chief of Staff to the Deputy Prime Minister and as Head of Sexual Violence Policy and Commissioning. She also held a voluntary role with AFL London, as Head of Development for Women’s Football in the UK.

Elyse has developed strategic partnerships across the sporting landscape and shaped initiatives that directly impacted both community and professional sport development. She brings a strong advocacy skill set and a deep understanding of the role sport can play in building healthier, happier communities.

“Following a thorough interview process, supported by Vicsport’s long term recruitment partner Sportspeople Recruitment, the Vicsport board and I are very excited to have appointed Elyse to lead Vicsport as CEO,” said Vicsport Chair, Jason Hellwig.

“With our new Strategic Plan beginning in 2026 and a myriad of opportunities and challenges awaiting us in the near future, this is a great time for Elyse to join the business. I know she will be a confident and a capable leader for not only Vicsport but the entire Victorian sporting and active recreation industry.”

Outside of work, Elyse is a Director and Trustee of the Youth Sport Trust, a UK-based charity where she provides strategic and tactical advice on how to partner with government to improve outcomes from young people through physical education and play. She is a keen runner, and volunteers as a guide runner for blind and visually impaired athletes.

“I’m incredibly excited to lead Vicsport into this next era and champion the brilliant work of the sport and recreation sector,” Elyse said.

“Having seen firsthand how sport can drive positive change, I’m looking forward to working alongside our members and government partners to ensure Victoria remains the best place to be involved in community sport.”

Elyse replaces Lisa Hasker OAM who has served as Vicsport CEO since May 2018.