Nick Hockley leaves Cricket Australia

Nick Hockley will step down as the chief executive of Cricket Australia (CA) at the end of the ongoing 2024-25 season, the cricket board announced on Tuesday, August 6. Nick Hockley stated that he will end his five-year tenure as the chief executive of Cricket Australia, describing it as a difficult decision.

Nick Hockley has been with Cricket Australia for nearly 13 years. Hockley became interim CEO of Cricket Australia in June 2020 after Kevin Roberts resigned amid criticism over COVID-19 management. He was officially appointed as the permanent CEO of the Australian Cricket Board 11 months later.

Hockley played a crucial role in managing Cricket Australia through the 2020-21 season during the pandemic. Australia successfully hosted the Test series against India. He also developed a new five-year strategy and secured long-term media deals with Seven West Media, Foxtel Group, and Disney Star.

This Was A Difficult Decision - Nick Hockley

On Tuesday, Cricket Australia announced that Nick Hockley will step down as CEO in March 2025. Hockley cited the upcoming busy season and progress on the strategic plan as reasons for his decision. He stated that he would support the board in finding his successor.

"This was a difficult decision, 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 said.

"This is not the time for goodbyes, as I remain completely focussed on the season ahead and supporting the Board on succession and a smooth transition," he added.

Before becoming Cricket Australia’s CEO, Hockley led the 2020 Women’s T20 World Cup committee. He worked on the 2015 Men’s World Cup and the London Olympics. Cricket Australia will search for his successor, with Todd Greenberg, CEO of the Australia Cricketers' Association, being a leading candidate.

Nick Hockley Delivered Significant Growth - Mike Baird

Mike Baird, Chair of Cricket Australia, announced that Nick Hockley will remain CEO until a replacement is appointed. Baird praised Hockley for guiding the sport through the pandemic and securing long-term deals.

"As CEO, Nick navigated the sport through a period of unprecedented challenge during the pandemic and has delivered significant growth and stability. Under Nick's leadership, several major deals are now in place - many for the next seven years - and the game is set up for continued success," Mike Baird said.

"As Nick says, his full focus is on delivering another successful summer for our fans, players, broadcasters, partners, and the whole of Australian Cricket and there will be time to celebrate his legacy and achievements when he steps down from the role next year."

During Hockley's tenure, Australia secured victories in the 2021 T20 World Cup, the 2021-23 World Test Championship, and the 2023 ODI World Cup. The Australian team also won a Test series in Pakistan in 2022. Hockley faced criticism over Justin Langer's exit as head coach of the men's national cricket team.

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