The administrator replaced former chief executive Alex Baumann after he stepped down due to health struggles.

Buckley's strategic vision and action-oriented approach impressed the Swimming Australia Board, while the nominations committee which conducted the interview process found her extensive knowledge of the sports landscape and the people-first philosophy made her the lead candidate, it is claimed.

"It was clear very early on that Eugenie was someone with incredible ability to build and execute a strategy for Australian Swimming," said Swimming Australia President Kieren Perkins.

"Her passion for the sport, and not just the administration and athletes but the wider community of Member Organisations, stakeholders and fans was infectious.

"She is a modern leader with a people first attitude and the business acumen to ensure swimming is on the right trajectory heading towards Paris in three years, but also with an eye to Brisbane 2032.

"Her experience speaks for itself and we have seen that with her calm and measured approach to the challenges swimming is facing.

"With our strategic plan nearing finalisation we felt Eugenie was the right person to lead us through this transformative period and further build our sport into an industry leader."

Buckley worked on major events in Australia including the 2003 Rugby World Cup and 2009 Women's Cricket World Cup, as well as for organisations such as Football Australia and the International Cricket Council.

Buckley said it was the challenge of taking the sport to the next level that forced her to reconsider the interim status of her role and apply for the full-time position.

"I feel like Swimming is well placed to take advantage of the opportunities in front of us in this next period," said Buckley.

"We have just come off an incredible Olympic and Paralympic campaign in Tokyo, with our Olympic squad having their best performance ever, so we are well positioned for success in the pool.

"With Brisbane 2032 on the horizon, the chance to lead the sport through this next growth phase is exciting.

"Our strategy focuses on how we can develop our business, both at the national level but also with our Member Organisations and stakeholders, to ensure swimming is the number one Olympic sport in Australia.

"There are a lot of passionate people within the swimming community and I look forward to tackling the challenges and embracing the future together."

In addition to Buckley, Swimming Australia appointed Michelle Gallen and Neil Martin to its Board of directors to replace Bruce Havilah and Andrew Baildon.

Marin represented Australia at the Munich 1972 Olympics and is a former Swimming Australia President, as well as an ex-Commonwealth Games Australia vice-president. 

Gallen is credited with helping to shape strategic planning for Triathlon Australia and the Queensland Government.