Kevin Malloy Appointed New Zealand Cricket Chair Amid Financial Challenges
Kevin Malloy succeeds Diana Puketapu-Lyndon as the governing body navigates a significant budget deficit.
1Leadership Transition Confirmed
Kevin Malloy has been elected as the new chair of New Zealand Cricket following the annual general meeting. He succeeds Diana Puketapu-Lyndon, who concluded her nine-year tenure as a director. Malloy, who served as deputy chair since 2019, assumes leadership during a period of complex financial and operational restructuring for the organization.
2Financial Deficit Pressures
The governing body faces immediate fiscal challenges after reporting a deficit of $7.3 million in August. This figure significantly exceeded the initial budgeted deficit of $1.8 million. Despite these losses, the organization maintains reserves of $25.2 million and projects a surplus exceeding $10 million for next year, largely driven by India's tour.
3Malloy's Professional Background
Malloy brings extensive corporate experience to the role, including 29 years at media agency Starcom where he managed global accounts for Coca-Cola and Procter & Gamble. He currently holds board positions at Kiwibank and Tourism New Zealand. Additionally, he concludes a three-year term as chair of Super Rugby Pacific this coming December.
4Board Composition Changes
The board welcomed new members Raewyn Lovett and Jono Brent, while Anna Campbell and Ali Shanks were re-elected for three-year terms. Mike Devonshire departed the board after three years of service. These appointments aim to integrate expertise in governance and community cricket strategy to support the organization's evolving operational requirements moving forward.
5Legacy of Predecessor
Diana Puketapu-Lyndon, who joined the board in 2017, made history in 2023 as the first woman and first person of Māori descent to chair New Zealand Cricket. Malloy publicly acknowledged her leadership, noting she guided the organization through one of the most demanding periods in the recent history of the sport.
6Strategic Focus Areas
The board remains focused on the development of the NZ20 league, which has been identified as the preferred option for the future of domestic T20 competition. Beyond professional leagues, Malloy emphasized that the board is equally committed to supporting the community game and maintaining high-performance systems across the national cricket landscape.
7Future Event Planning
New Zealand Cricket is currently preparing for several major milestones, including upcoming tours for the Black Caps and White Ferns. The organization is also focused on its role as a co-host for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2028, which remains a key component of their long-term international event strategy.
8Governance and Recognition
Mark Greatbatch continues his role as NZC president for the second year of his three-year term. During the meeting, former ICC Chair Greg Barclay was elected as a Life Member of New Zealand Cricket. This honor recognizes his significant contributions to the development of the game and broader sports governance standards.