Wood resigns as WACA chief executive

Graeme Wood, the former Australia Test batsman, has resigned as chief executive officer of the WACA. Wood has taken up a position in the wine industry, which also means he won't be in the running for Cricket Australia's newly-created role as general manager of team performance, a job that would seem to suit administrators with a strong cricket background.

Wood will remain in his position with Western Australia until the end of the year, having become CEO in February 2007. He said it was disappointing to be leaving the cricket scene while uncertainty remained over the redevelopment of the WACA ground, but he had decided the time had come to move on.

"I was sounded out for this role with Treasury Wine Estates and I had previously enjoyed working in the liquor industry," Wood said. "It is also going to be a significant lifestyle change for me and my family and that was an important factor in my decision to take up this new position.

"It has been a great pleasure to be involved in an exciting five years at the WACA. In that time there have been achievements such as improved facilities for staff, undergoing a restructure of our cricket operations, undertaking a partnership with Murdoch University to develop a new training facility, enjoying positive dealings with regulatory authorities such as EPRA on the redevelopment of the WACA Ground, and securing two world-renowned coaches for the Retravision Warriors in Tom Moody and Mickey Arthur.

"I have always enjoyed a great relationship with the WACA President Dennis Lillee and Chairman David Williams, as well as senior managers and staff of the WACA and I thank them all for the support they have given to me over the years. It is also a disappointing time to depart the WACA with uncertainty over the starting date for our redevelopment and the debut of the Perth Scorchers in the KFC T20 Big Bash League this summer, but I wish everyone at the WACA all the very best going forward."

Wood, 54, played 59 Tests for Australia during the 1970s and 80s. The WACA board will now begin its search for a new CEO.