Former Hong Kong Cricket boss Tim Cutler is the new CEO of the Vanuatu Cricket Association.
New Vanuatu Cricket Association CEO Tim Cutler. Photo: Supplied
He replaces former Vanuatu player, coach and CEO Shane Deitz, who recently began a new role as coach of the Netherlands women's cricket team.
Cutler led Hong Kong Cricket from 2015 to 2017 before founding the Emerging Cricket platform and is expected to arrive in Port Vila before the middle of the year.
"Vanuatu are one of the leading lights of Associate cricket and I'm honoured to be selected as its CEO," he said.
"It's easy to be passionate about what Vanuatu Cricket is doing when you see the joy on the faces of everyone involved. From the innovation shown in broadcasting the first ICC member cricket after the coronavirus caused so much disruption, to initiatives like Women's Island Cricket Program, the VCA consistently deliver on their mission to create a positive impact in the Pacific through cricket."
Cutler said already having 10 percent of the population picking up a bat and ball was an achievement with the VCA's development programmes the beating heart of the success which he believed grew the game while developing community leaders.
Vanuatu was the first ICC member to broadcast live cricket following the Covid-19 pandemic. Photo: Vanuatu Cricket
VCA President Mark Stafford said Cutler's experience with cricket and the wider corporate world made him the best fit to move Vanuatu Cricket forward.
"We want to see growth in interest in the game of cricket throughout the country and we need to see growth in income generation opportunities.
"We want to see everyone that is involved in cricket in Vanuatu, from grass roots and community level to our elite players in the men's and women's global pathway events, really enjoy their involvement with the game and we believe that Tim is the best person to make all this happen."
One of Culter's first tasks will be to help establish new revenue generating opportunities.
"From joint development programs to corporate events and experiences, or leveraging cricket tourism opportunities when travel recommences, there are many opportunities for us to devise more programs and products that will create value for the game and its partners...building deeper partnerships with like-minded companies throughout Vanuatu and beyond will be a key focus in my role."
Cutler's appointment comes two months after Jeremy Bray was confirmed as the new Vanuatu men's head coach.
He is expected to arrive in Port Vila before the middle of this year.