New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has appointed former Black Caps fast bowler Geoff Allott as its new chief executive officer, as several of the country's major sporting bodies continue to undergo leadership changes.
Allott will step into the role on July 1, becoming the organisation's sixth CEO.
He replaces former CEO Scott Weenik, who resigned in December last year amid controversy with stakeholders surrounding the game's new domestic T20 competition.
The appointment comes at a time of significant leadership turnover in New Zealand sport, with New Zealand Rugby, Netball New Zealand and NZ Rugby League also searching for top leaders.
Allott said he was "genuinely excited and honoured" to return to the organisation in the top job.
“Having worn the silver fern as a player, served as general manager of cricket, and contributed for over eight years as a board director, I have a deep connection to this organisation and our game,” he said.
“I look forward to working collaboratively with the board, players, staff, member associations, and our commercial partners to build strong relationships, foster a positive and constructive culture, and deliver outstanding results both on and off the field.”
Prior to his involvement with NZC, Allott represented New Zealand in 10 Tests and 31 one-day internationals between 1996 and 2000.
He was a founding board member of the New Zealand Cricket Players Association in 2002, worked as NZC's general manager of cricket from 2008 to 2010 and spent eight years as a director on the NZC board before stepping down in 2021.
Allott said his focus would be on teamwork and unity across all areas of New Zealand cricket.
“By strengthening relationships through all levels of the game here, we can ensure New Zealand cricket remains competitive, sustainable, and thriving at every level.”
NZC chair Diana Puketapu-Lyndon said Allott bought a "rare and highly-relevant combination of attributes to the role", making him well suited to lead the organisation.
“We're confident his playing background, institutional knowledge, business acumen, and international outlook make him exceptionally well placed to lead NZC through the next phase of growth and development," she said.
SHARE ME