Jeroen Weimar has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee – the organisation charged with overseeing the build-up to and delivery of the event.
Weimar most recently served as the operational leader of the state’s COVID-19 response from July 2020 to April 2022. He was previously Head of Transport Services at the Department of Transport and Chief Executive Officer of VicRoads, as well as the former CEO of Public Transport Victoria.
Weimar held senior roles in the United Kingdom before arriving in Australia, including Chief Operating Officer of the UK Bus division of First Group and Chief Operating Officer of Transport for London in the lead up to London 2012 Olympic Games.
The Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee will lead the delivery of the Games, managing venues and services, logistics, partnerships and engagement, as well as media, broadcasting and communications.
Working closely with the Office of the Commonwealth Games, the two bodies will liaise with stakeholders including regional councils, the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Australia to ensure regional Victoria shines on the world stage.
Four regional hubs will be established in Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gippsland, each with their own athlete’s village and sport program. The regional hubs will host athletes, officials and fans following an Opening Ceremony at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, using Melbourne as the gateway to regional Victoria.
Victoria 2026 will extend far beyond sporting competition, with the Queen’s Baton Relay, warm-up tournaments and training camps, an extensive cultural program, live sites and activations in towns and cities across the state.
It is estimated the 2026 Commonwealth Games will contribute more than $3 billion to Victoria’s economy, creating more than 600 full-time equivalent jobs before the Games, 3,900 jobs during the Games and a further 3,000 jobs beyond the Closing Ceremony.
Quote attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula
“Jeroen has significant experience in senior public and private sector roles and will bring important skills to ensure the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games proudly showcases our state to the world.”
Quote attributable to Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee CEO Jeroen Weimar
“I’m excited to lead a team that will work hand in glove with local communities to deliver Victoria 2026 – celebrating the Commonwealth’s greatest athletes and our state’s rich culture and diversity.’’
Quote attributable to Commonwealth Games Federation President Dame Louise Martin
“I would like to congratulate Jeroen on his appointment as Victoria 2026 Chief Executive Officer. The CGF look forward to working in close partnership with Jeroen and his team to stage a unique multi-sport event for the State, the country and the Commonwealth.”
Quote attributable to Commonwealth Games Australia President Ben Houston
“Commonwealth Games Australia looks forward to working with Jeroen and the organising committee team that will deliver the Victoria 2026 Games. The Games present many opportunities for our athletes and sports and together we will bring these opportunities to life over the next four years.”
Reviewed 23 June 2022