New Zealand Cricket has turned to experience and familiarity, appointing former international seamer Geoff Allott as its new chief executive following the resignation of Scott Weenink late last year.
Allott, 54, steps into the role at a pivotal moment for the organisation, tasked with steadying the ship amid internal divisions and guiding the game through a period of structural change.
As a player, Allott enjoyed a brief but memorable international career, featuring in 10 Tests and 31 ODIs between 1996 and 2000. His defining moment came during the 1999 Cricket World Cup, where he emerged as joint leading wicket-taker with 20 wickets at an average of 16.25 finishing level with Shane Warne despite playing one match fewer.
Yet it is his extensive administrative background that made him the standout candidate.
Following his retirement, Allott became a founding board member of the NZC Players Association in 2002 and later served as General Manager of Cricket from 2008 to 2010. His governance experience deepened with roles at Canterbury Cricket and an eight-year tenure as an NZC board director from 2013 to 2021. In recognition of his contribution, he was awarded NZC Life Membership in 2022.
He now returns to the organisation at a time of uncertainty. Weenink’s departure came amid disagreements with provincial associations and the players’ body over the long-term direction of the game — particularly the proposed introduction of a privately owned NZ20 competition set to replace the Super Smash by 2027.
Allott acknowledged the challenges ahead and emphasised the need for alignment across the sport.
“Having worn the silver fern as a player, served as General Manager of Cricket, and spent years on the board, I feel deeply connected to this organisation and the game,” he said.
“My focus will be on bringing people together players, staff, associations, and partners — to build strong relationships and a constructive environment. If we can align across all levels, we can ensure the game remains competitive, sustainable, and successful.”
NZC chair Diana Puketapu-Lyndon described Allott as uniquely equipped for the role.
“Geoff brings a rare blend of qualities — international playing experience, deep institutional knowledge, and proven commercial leadership,” she said. “That combination makes him exceptionally well placed to lead New Zealand Cricket into its next phase.”
She added that the board was confident Allott’s collaborative approach would help restore cohesion and drive the sport forward during a period of evolution.
Allott will officially assume the role on July 1, becoming NZC’s sixth chief executive — and inheriting one of the most consequential chapters in the organisation’s recent history.
