Canada appoint first chief executive

The Canadian Cricket Association has appointed its first chief executive following a four-month search. Atul Ahuja, an Indian-born Canadian citizen with extensive business experience, will take up the role on November 1.

Ahuja has held senior level executive positions with several international companies in India, the United States and Canada, most recently with Satyam Computer Services and Intelligroup Inc., both in the information technology field.

In addition, he brings considerable experience from volunteer positions with the Canadian business community, including his recent role as marketing and communications director of the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce, during which he participated in trade missions to both India and Pakistan.

Ahuja said: "I'm well aware that there will be many challenges, in many areas - but I'm confident that we'll successfully meet those challenges. I see this as a magnificent opportunity to marry the experience I've been fortunate to gain in the business world with the deep passion [as a player and spectator] I have for the game of cricket."

One of the major challenges continues to be private sector corporate sponsorship. The CCA told Cricinfo that the issue of government funding is "progressing - and Atul's day-to-day presence will certainly help".

The CCA felt that the move was "an absolute necessity." Their president Ben Sennik said: "The sport of cricket in Canada continues to grow and we're now at the point where a full-time CEO is an absolute necessity. We believe Atul Ahuja's business leadership experience and his skill in generating international and national sponsorship support will move cricket in Canada ahead even further."

The original job spec had suggested that the right candidate would be, ideally, bilingual. While Ahuja does not currently speak French, his business skills and cricket knowledge make him a very good choice.