Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) is on the lookout for a new chief executive as Guy Lavender has decided to step down from his role to take on the position at Cheltenham Racecourse. This transition comes at a time when MCC is experiencing significant changes in key leadership roles.
Mark Nicholas is set to take over as the club’s chairman in October, succeeding Bruce Carnegie-Brown, while Mervyn King will be stepping into the role of president, replacing Nicholas. Earlier this year, Rob Lynch took over as director of cricket and operations from Jamie Cox.
Carnegie-Brown praised Lavender as an “outstanding CEO” in the statement confirming his departure. Lavender’s tenure was marked by successful navigation through the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic, ongoing redevelopment efforts at Lord’s, strong financial performance, and hosting major events like the men’s 50-over World Cup final in 2019.
Lavender himself expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead MCC, acknowledging the dedication and hard work of the club’s staff in supporting its members and upholding its esteemed reputation. MCC has already initiated the process of finding Lavender’s replacement, which will be overseen by the nominations committee later this year.
In addition to his responsibilities at MCC, Lavender will continue to fulfill his duties to ensure a smooth transition period before his departure. The club remains committed to carrying forward its legacy of excellence under new leadership.
The upcoming changes in MCC’s leadership coincide with the club’s involvement in discussions with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and its members regarding the future of the Hundred. MCC is expected to acquire a 51% stake in the London Spirit team, with the remaining 49% to be sold by the ECB. Interest from several Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises has been noted in this regard, indicating the global appeal of the Hundred format.
As MCC embarks on this transitional phase, the club looks forward to continued growth and success under fresh leadership. The dedication of its staff and the unwavering support of its members are key pillars in maintaining MCC’s esteemed position in the world of cricket.
