International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom Committee Chair Richard Fox is set to play a key role in Paddle Australia’s Paddle Forward 32 strategy, which was launched earlier this year.
Fox, a five-time world champion, will join Paddle Australia as Executive General Manager – Engagement and Partnerships, alongside Emma Griffin, who is set to take over as Chief Operating Officer.
He also played a crucial role as Canoe Slalom featured at Sydney 2000, and also coached the Australian team at the home Games.
Most recently, he was head of the Organising Committee at the 2025 ICF Slalom World Championships, which concluded last week.
In his new role, Fox will lead Paddle Australia’s engagement and partnership strategies across government, commercial, sport, and community sectors - deepening relationships, fostering collaboration, and expanding the reach of all paddle sport disciplines nationwide.
“From my experience, leadership is truly more meaningful when it is shared, and as a result, it can be both transformational and rewarding. I have deep confidence that both Emma and Richard’s capabilities will add real-world class strength to our Executive Management Team,” Paddle Australia CEO Kim Crane said.
“Richard’s appointment represents a significant step in advancing the organisation’s strategic ambitions. His leadership, global experience and perspective will play a vital role in building the engagement connections and partnerships that underpin our dynamic and thriving paddling ecosystem.
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“Emma’s experience spanning more than two decades will be invaluable to our national network and we welcome her international perspective that can bring fresh thinking to our team. Her expertise will complement and be a valuable addition to our leadership team.”
“Paddling has been central to my life and career, and I’m passionate about helping shape a connected and sustainable future for the sport,” Fox said.
“Last week’s Slalom World Championships was an example of impactful partnerships at play; creating a dynamic paddle ecosystem, the catalyst being our hosting of a major sporting event at an Olympic legacy venue. We want to continue building this across the nation.
“The Paddle Forward 32 vision provides a clear and ambitious framework; I look forward to engaging with partners and the paddling community to bring this vision to life throughout Australia.”
Both Richard and Emma will commence their new roles in December 2025.
The bold new strategy will focus on creating a world-class sport and a vibrant adventure-focused lifestyle, along with a community where everyone belongs as the country prepares for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Brisbane 2032.
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