SOUTH West Sport has a new executive officer with Marc Tims stepping into the role.

Tims, a former national wellbeing leader for David Jones and The Country Road Group, has replaced long-time chief executive Michael Neoh who recently stood down from the now redundant position.

He has relocated with his family from Melbourne to Warrnambool, where South West Sport’s office is, for a coastal lifestyle shift with more community-based values for his young family.

“We are loving living in Warrnambool, it has such a great community and friendly presence about it,” he said.

With 23 years dedication to influencing positive health outcomes for elite athletes, organisations and individuals, Tims will lead the team to deliver high-quality service and support in the south-west region through participation in community sport and active recreation.

“I am delighted to be appointed as the executive officer at SWS,” Tims said.

“My passion is within the health and wellbeing space where I have dedicated more than 20 years of my career to support people, businesses, and communities to achieve positive health outcomes.”

Tims aspires to bring innovation and a professional approach to support SWS people, partners, and the wider south-west communities.

“I am really excited to be embarking on leading the team at SWS to provide relevant support to develop and improve the capacity of partners, volunteers and clubs.

“I see that there is so much opportunity in this role to link the importance of participation of sport and active recreation with the positive health outcomes including physical, mental and emotion health of our communities.”

Tims looks forward to working alongside partners and clubs in SWS key local government catchment areas, including Corangamite, Glenelg, Moyne, Southern Grampians and Warrnambool.