Nick Hockley will step down as Cricket Australia’s chief executive at the end of the summer, completing his five-year tenure.
On Tuesday afternoon, CA confirmed that Hockley had informed the board that he would not continue as CEO beyond March of next year.
“This has been a difficult decision, but with our five-year strategic plan well underway following what promises to be a blockbuster summer, the time is right for us to pursue another challenge while providing the board with ample time to find our next CEO, building on the strong foundation we have now built,” Hockley said in a statement.
“Now is not the time to say goodbye. I will focus fully on the upcoming season and support the Board’s succession and smooth transition.”
Watch every ball of the England vs Sri Lanka Test series live, exclusively on Fox Cricket and available on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >
Hockley, who has worked in Australian cricket for nearly 13 years, was appointed interim CA chief executive in June 2020 following the departure of Kevin Roberts, before taking up the role permanently in May 2021. He steered the sport through the COVID-19 pandemic before overseeing Tim Paine’s resignation as Test captain and Justin Langer’s messy departure as national men’s team coach during the summer of 2021/22.
During Hockley’s tenure, CA signed a seven-year $1.5 billion broadcast rights deal with Foxtel and Seven, followed by a $360 million deal with Disney Star for India. Last year, he helped CA reach a new memorandum of understanding with the Australian Cricketers’ Association, which included a significant pay rise for the country’s professional women’s players.
Hockley also played a key role in Australia’s first Test tour of Pakistan in 24 years, with Pat Cummins’ side winning a historic three-match series 1-0 in 2022.
CA chairman Mike Baird has confirmed that Hockley will remain as chief executive until a successor is appointed.
Former NRL boss Todd Greenberg is emerging as a leading candidate, as is CA’s newly appointed head of cricket James Allsopp. Big Bash boss Alistair Dobson, Cricket Victoria chief executive Nick Cummins, Queensland cricketer Terry Svenson and former WA cricket boss Christina Matthews have also been mooted as options.
“As CEO, Nick has led the sport through unprecedented challenges during the pandemic and delivered significant growth and stability,” Baird said in a statement.
“Under Nick’s leadership, we have several major deals currently in progress, many of which will be completed over the next seven years, and the game is expected to continue to be a success.
“As Nick said, his focus is now on delivering another successful summer for fans, players, broadcasters, partners and Australian cricket as a whole, and there will be time to celebrate his legacy and achievements when he steps back from the role next year.
“The timing of Nick’s decision allows the Board to ensure a smooth transition, and we will begin the process of identifying and appointing his successor shortly.”
