Cycling Southland Boss On His Bike Leaving The Organisation Early 2019

Cycling Southland president Reece McDonald said Hotton, who was appointed to the role in 2015, was responsible for implementing and overseeing a stabilisation and rebuilding programme for the one of the country’s leading cycling organisations.

“I’ve worked with Mark since his appointment and have seen the outstanding job he has done for Cycling Southland and cycling in general. He is certainly leaving Cycling Southland in a better position than when he found it.”

Numbers, particularly in the junior grades, were rising and there had been strong growth in junior road cycling in the past two years. Key relationships had been built, while extensive work had gone into the financial management of the organisation.
Hotton will take up a group communications manager role with major Tour of Southland sponsor SBS Bank.

“SBS Bank have been extremely supportive around sorting out a start date and are keen to see as little disruption as possible to a partner organisation, and have allowed Mark to start in early 2019 to allow for a smooth transition,” McDonald said.

The board would now look to seek expressions of interest to fill the role.

Hotton said he had enjoyed his time at Cycling Southland, but a new opportunity had presented itself working with a strong Southland-based business.
“I take great pride in seeing the progress and changes I’ve made over the past three years from both a governance and operational perspective, as well as seeing the growth in membership.

“But it’s probably right that someone else leads the organisation for the next part of the journey.”

“I think the biggest buzz has been watching young riders coming through and embarking on their cycling adventure and achieving their goals. It’s a great sport for children because it teaches them such great life skills – it’s not just about helping them become better and faster cyclists, it’s about helping them become better people.”

Event assistant and development officer Danielle Ralph is also leaving Cycling Southland. She has been offered a position as administration manager of Olympic Weightlifting NZ and starts in that position on October 15.
A replacement for her position will be considered once the new general manager is appointed.