David White to step down as NZC chief executive in August

New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White has announced his decision to step down from the role in August.

White, who took over the position in February 2012, is just the fourth chief executive after Chris Doig, Martin Snedden and Justin Vaughan to lead NZC since the adoption of the Hood Report recommendations in 1995.

"NZC is in a secure financial position with a solid balance sheet and long-term commercial agreements in place," he said in a statement. "The BLACKCAPS are strong; women's cricket is healthy, our high performance programme is producing excellence, and the community game is stable. It feels like the right time to step aside."

During White's tenure, the New Zealand men's team won the inaugural World Test Championship and reached the final of the World Cup three times (one T20 and two 50-over World Cups). Under him, New Zealand also took a big step towards pay equality, announcing that their women cricketers will earn the same match fees as the men under a new five-year deal in 2022.

"David's legacy has been immense," Snedden, now serving as NZC board chair, said. "Our high performance systems have never been stronger, our cricket network has a level of financial security and stability never before experienced, and the future for women and girls has never been brighter.

"David's commercial acumen has driven revenue, enabling increased investment across the organisation. His administrative skills have unearthed unique, bespoke solutions for our high-performance programmes and infrastructure - no better illustrated than in the all-weather, turf-based training facilities now located throughout the country."

White, a former Test cricketer, had also served as chief executive of Auckland Rugby and, before that chief executive of Wellington Rugby before taking up the NZC role.

"Under David, cricket in New Zealand has become far more inclusive, especially in regard to women and girls, our tangata whenua, and our Pasifika communities," Snedden added.

"When you think of how he navigated the Covid-19 pandemic, preserving the integrity of the community, domestic and international game, and his strong influence at ICC level, it makes you realise just how lucky we've been to have him at the helm."