Cricket Australia (CA) CEO Nick Hockley has officially announced his decision to step down by the end of the next cricket season, after an illustrious career spanning nearly 13 years in Australian cricket. Hockley, who has served as CA CEO for five of those years, is anticipated to leave his role around the end of March 2025, or later, subject to the appointment process of his successor.
Hockley first took up the position of interim CEO in June 2020, before being confirmed as the permanent CEO eleven months later. His tenure has been marked by his adept management through the turbulent period of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under his leadership, CA has laid strong foundations for growth, including rolling out a comprehensive five-year strategy and securing significant media deals with Seven West Media, Foxtel Group, and Disney Star in India.
Notably, a new player Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Australian Cricketers’ Association was established, featuring a substantial 66% pay increase for female professional cricketers. Additionally, the Big Bash league has been rejuvenated under his guidance.
“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 in a press conference.
“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.”
Nick Hockley’s journey as Australia cricket CEO
On the international stage, Hockley has overseen an extraordinary era of success for Australia’s national cricket teams. Highlights include Australia’s first tour to Pakistan in over two decades, winning and retaining both the women’s and men’s Ashes, and clinching six ICC trophies, such as the men’s and women’s Cricket World Cups (2022 and 2023), the men’s and women’s T20 World Cups (2021 and 2023), the World Test Championship in 2023, and the Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup in 2024. Moreover, Australia secured gold at the Commonwealth Games in 2022.
Hockley joined Australian Cricket in October 2012 as the General Manager of Commercial & Marketing for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, which saw over a million attendees and generated a significant economic impact.
Following a short period as Head of Commercial Projects, Hockley was named CEO of the Local Organising Committee for the ICC T20 World Cup 2020, achieving record-breaking success at the Women’s T20 World Cup with a historic final at the MCG.
In conclusion, Nick Hockley’s tenure as CEO of Cricket Australia has been marked by significant achievements and milestones in Australian cricket. His leadership has seen the sport grow and prosper, both domestically and internationally. As he prepares to step down, Hockley leaves behind a legacy of success and progress that will be remembered for years to come.