Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley to Depart After Five Years

Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley to Depart After Five Years

Nick Hockley, the chief executive of Cricket Australia (CA), has announced his departure after five years in the role. He will step down in March 2023, following the conclusion of the current season.

Hockley’s departure comes after discussions with CA chair Mike Baird and other directors, who reportedly informed him that he was not considered a long-term option. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Hockley was given the opportunity to leave on good terms.

“This was a difficult decision,” Hockley said. “However, following what promises to be a blockbuster summer and with our five-year strategic plan well progressed, this is the right time to pursue another challenge, while giving the board plenty of time to find its next CEO to build on the strong foundations now in place.”

Hockley emphasized that he remains focused on the upcoming season, including the highly anticipated five-Test series against India. “This is not the time for goodbyes, as I remain completely focused on the season ahead and supporting the board on succession and a smooth transition.”

James Allsopp, the Head of Cricket at CA, is considered the front-runner to succeed Hockley. Other potential candidates include Australian Cricketers’ Association CEO Todd Greenberg, former women’s captain Belinda Clark, and former CA Head of Broadcast and Commercial Stephanie Beltrame.

Hockley’s departure marks the end of an era for CA. He has overseen a period of significant change, including the introduction of the Women’s Big Bash League and the expansion of the Sheffield Shield. He has also navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent ball-tampering scandal.

Cricket Australia in No Rush to Appoint Nick Hockley's Successor

Cricket Australia in No Rush to Appoint Nick Hockley’s Successor

Cricket Australia (CA) is taking its time in appointing Nick Hockley’s successor, with the outgoing CEO’s March exit date remaining flexible. Hockley addressed his final AGM as the sport’s boss on Thursday, as CA reported a better-than-expected AU$31.9 million loss for the financial year.

A global search is underway for Hockley’s replacement, following his announcement of his impending departure last August. Players’ union boss and former NRL CEO Todd Greenberg remains the frontrunner for the role, while other CA executives have also expressed interest.

Hockley had initially indicated a March exit, but is open to staying beyond that if a suitable replacement is not found. “The process is under way,” said CA chairman Mike Baird. “There is a huge amount of interest in the role. We will run through that in a considered way as a board, there is no rush.”

CA’s annual loss was expected, given the absence of tours from England and India last summer. The deficit was also larger than in the previous year, which benefited from hosting the men’s T20 World Cup. The annual result left CA with cash reserves of $25.7 million, despite an estimated $100 million hit from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We expect to have reserves in excess of $70 million by the end of the next two years,” said Baird. “We’re very bullish about the next two summers and it’s reflected in the forecast.”

Hockley emphasized that CA has taken steps to make its budget more resilient against summers without India or England, through new content, investments, cost-efficiency measures, and increased digital assets.

Baird also indicated that Australia is pursuing plans for a Test fund with the ICC, aimed at supporting nations outside the “big three” and safeguarding the red-ball game.

Meanwhile, CA directors Lachlan Henderson, Greg Rowell, and Clea Smith were re-elected at Thursday’s meeting, while Paul Green announced his upcoming departure.

Nick Hockley to Step Down as Cricket Australia CEO in March

Nick Hockley to Step Down as Cricket Australia CEO in March

Nick Hockley, the Cricket Australia (CA) chief executive, has announced his resignation, effective March 2023, after five years at the helm. Hockley’s tenure has been marked by significant challenges and achievements, including navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and overseeing the game’s financial stability.

Hockley initially assumed the role on an interim basis in 2020 following the resignation of Kevin Roberts. He was appointed full-time in May 2021 after successfully guiding the game through the 2020-21 season amidst border closures and the successful hosting of the Test series against India.

During his tenure, Hockley faced challenges such as a standoff with broadcaster Channel Seven over a discount, which was eventually resolved. He also oversaw a smoother MoU agreement compared to 2017, resulting in significant pay increases in the women’s game.

Hockley had to deal with the controversial departure of Tim Paine as Test captain and the subsequent transition to Pat Cummins. He also attempted to overturn David Warner’s lifetime leadership ban, but the case fell apart in late 2022.

Despite these challenges, Hockley’s tenure has been marked by significant on-field success. The men’s and women’s teams have won T20 and ODI World Cups, while the men claimed the World Test Championship and the women won gold in the Commonwealth Games. The men’s team also toured Pakistan for the first time since 1998.

Hockley has also led the implementation of CA’s Multicultural Action Plan, aiming to improve participation and attendance among South Asian communities.

CA chair Mike Baird praised Hockley’s leadership, stating that he “navigated the sport through a period of unprecedented challenge during the pandemic and has delivered significant growth and stability.”

Prior to his elevation to the top CA role, Hockley had been involved in organizing major cricket events, including the 2020 T20 Women’s World Cup and the 2015 men’s World Cup.

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