Ben Houston has been named as the new President of Commonwealth Games Australia ©LinkedIn

Commonwealth Games Australia named the former head of Triathlon Australia Ben Houston as their new President at their 2018 Annual General Meeting in Melbourne.

The organisation made the announcement in a short post on Twitter, saying the appointment was made "with great pleasure".

Houston replaces 82-year-old Sam Coffa, a former weightlifter, as President. 

He held the role for over 20 years and was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame as a general member only last month.

Houston had served as President of Triathlon Australia for a three-year period from 2015 until earlier this month.

He is an experienced Lawyer with a history of working in the telecommunications industry.

Speaking at the AGM Houston said he was "very proud" to take on the role.

“Thank you to the delegates for your support and vote of confidence, both in me and your new Board,” he said.

“I am very proud to be appointed to this important role.

“It is a great honour to be given this opportunity to lead this iconic Australian sporting organisation.

Houston, a law graduate of Bond University, is currently the supervising legal counsel at Telstra Corporation, where he has worked for the past 14 years. 

Ben Houston replaces Sam Coffa, who was inducted into Sport Australia's Hall of Fame last month for services to Australian sport administration ©CGA
Ben Houston replaces Sam Coffa, who was inducted into Sport Australia's Hall of Fame last month for services to Australian sport administration ©CGA

Coffa, whom he replaces, was considered the driving force behind Australia's successful bids for the Commonwealth Games at Melbourne in 2006 and this year, when the country hosted in the Gold Coast.

Both Adelaide and Perth have also expressed interest in hosting the 2026 edition, with the official bid process now open.

Houston paid tribute to Coffa's leadership.

“I do want to acknowledge Sam’s leadership and contribution to CGA,” he said.

“We owe a huge debt of gratitude to both Sam and Perry [former CGA chief executive], their work has really set the foundation in stone for the organisation in the future and I thank them.”

As well as electing Houston, six new directors were due to be chosen as well.

They are Steve Moneghetti, a former Commonwealth marathon champion, Cycling Australia Board member Leeanne Grantham, David Mandel the President of Squash Australia, Netball Victoria director Mariene Elliott, Grant Harrison, a former President of Gymnastics Australia and Darryl Cloud, who is President of Bowls Australia.

Moneghetti and Grantham will serve for four years, Mandel and Elliott for two and Harrison and Clout for one each.