Diana Puketapu-Lyndon Photo: photosport
Diana Puketapu-Lyndon will become the first female chair of New Zealand Cricket after Martin Snedden announced he is standing down.
Former chief executive Snedden, who still has a year to run as a director on the Board, has chosen to stand down as chair to allow Puketapu-Lyndon a smooth transition, stating it was "simply the right thing to do".
Board member Roger Twose has also replaced Snedden NZC's representative to the ICC, from the end of November.
He noted that, since 2013, NZC had enjoyed a prolonged period of sound and effective governance in support of NZC management, and influential involvement at ICC level.
"I have no doubt that this will continue under Diana's and Roger's leadership," he said.
Puketapu-Lyndon is chair of the New Zealand Olympic Committee, a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors, and a Fellow Chartered Accountant.
She brings a wealth of commercial and sporting administrative experience to the position, including two stints as chief financial officer in America's Cup sailing campaigns, and one as a director of the World Masters Games.
Other changes to the Board include the election of former Olympic cyclist Alison Shanks and former Central Districts chair Mike Devonshire as directors, with Rebecca Rolls opting to retire by rotation, and Puketapu-Lyndon and Anna Campbell re-elected by rotation.
Despite the weather challenges last summer, NZC ended the year in a buoyant financial position, end the financial year with a surplus of $10.7 million.
"After years of having thin reserves, NZC is now rebuilding those to levels that will significantly protect our business and our members," Snedden said.
"The financial result means NZC has been able to further increase contributions to the Major Associations and community cricket, for the betterment of the game at all levels".