ate Palmer will stand down as chief executive of Netball Australia on December 23 after 10 years in the role ©Netball Australia

Kate Palmer will stand down as chief executive of Netball Australia on December 23 after 10 years in the role, it has been announced.

Palmer notified the governing body’s board several months ago of her intention to leave the position as she plans to take a break from the sport.

"It has been an honour to have worked for netball," Palmer said.

"I am very proud of this organisation and our sport.

"It has so much to offer and allows each of us to contribute our strengths.

"I am also proud of my achievements during my tenure as chief executive.

"This would not have been possible without the leadership, support and guidance of the Board or the dedication of our staff."

Her departure means Netball Australia will enter a new era without one of its most trusted executives, with Palmer celebrating her 10-year anniversary last month.

She has overseen a rapid growth in the development of the sport in Australia, including a rise in revenue form AUD$6 million (£3.5 million/$4.5 million/€4.2 million) to AUD$26 million (£15.2 million/$19.4 million/€18.2 million).

Australia won three consecutive World Cups during Kate Palmer's tenure as chief executive ©Getty Images
Australia won three consecutive World Cups during Kate Palmer's tenure as chief executive ©Getty Images

Palmer became chief executive at a time where Netball Australia faced significant governance challenges and were stuck in a period of limited commercial assets, leading to a negative impact on the sport’s sustainability, according to the governing body.

"When I first took on the role, Noeleen Dix [former Netball Australia Chair] handed me a list of goals that were critical for the growth of the game," said Palmer.

"Over the course of those 10 years, we have delivered on both commercial and participation outcomes.

"One of the great challenges has been balancing the emphasis on high performance and winning milestone events, while also ensuring that every little girl in the country can play the game and be the best they can be.

"It’s a sport that connects us and builds lifelong friendships, and that’s ultimately what’s important."

Her resignation was announced before the new national league - the Suncorp Super Netball - began in the country.

Australia won three consecutive Netball World Cup titles during Palmer’s reign - in 2007, 2011 and 2015 - while they also claimed the Commonwealth Games gold medal at Glasgow 2014.