MELBOURNE: Cricket Australia (CA) chief executive officer (CEO) Nick Hockley will step down from his post in March 2025, Cricket Australia confirmed on Tuesday.
Hockey has worked on the Australian board in a variety of roles, starting his journey on the board during COVID-19 after Kevin Roberts resigned.
He became a full-time member in May 2021, helping Australia successfully stage a Test series against India at home despite border closures due to the pandemic.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, he informed CA’s board of his decision after chairman Mike Baird and other directors said they did not envisage him being CEO for 10 years.
During his tenure, Hockley played a key role in guiding CA through the challenges of the pandemic, implementing a five-year strategy and securing major seven-year media deals.
“It was a difficult decision, but after a promising summer that promises to be a blockbuster, and with our five-year strategic plan well advanced, the time is right to take on another challenge while giving the board plenty of time to find a new CEO. building on the strong foundations that are now in place,” Hockley said.
“There is no time to say goodbye as I remain fully focused on the upcoming season and support the board regarding succession and a smooth transition.”
This is Hockley’s last season in charge as CA CEO and he will see India visit the country again in November for a five-Test series.
Hockley oversaw a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Australian Cricketers’ Association, which included a 66% pay rise for professional women cricketers, and Australia won six ICC World Cup titles during his tenure.
His achievements also include Australia’s first tour to Pakistan in 24 years, retaining the women’s and men’s Ashes, women’s Commonwealth Games gold in Birmingham in 2022 and the men’s under-19 World Cup earlier this year.
