ICC Announces Appointment to Develop Cricket in USA
Experienced businessman Gary Hopkins has been appointed the Chief Executive Officer to lead a special development project for cricket in the USA, the ICC announced today.
The appointment follows the ICC’s commitment to developing cricket around the world, and is the first step in a strategic project to increase the profile and participation levels of cricket in the USA.
The CEO's primary task will be to secure the support of the ICC’s Full Member nations to participate in a One-Day International tournament in the USA, and to coordinate the staging of any such event.
Any income from international matches staged in the USA will pave the way for investment in appropriate professional staffing, coach education, facility developments competition structures and programs in schools.
ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed said the search for a Chief Executive Officer to lead the development of cricket in the USA was given the support of the ICC's Executive Board in October last year.
'The ICC is delighted that, after a vigorous world-wide selection process, Gary has accepted this unique role,' said Mr Speed.
'This is an exciting and challenging time for cricket in the United States and he brings to the position a wealth of relevant experience and expertise.'
An Englishman and passionate cricket follower, Mr Hopkins has extensive experience in the sports industry having lived and worked in the United States for the past 14 years.
He has held senior executive positions with Octagon, API Sponsorship and the International Academy.
Mr Hopkins’s expertise in event development, production, broadcasting, sponsorship and marketing includes eight years assisting the United States Soccer Federation with the commercial development of the sport in the USA, as well as five years rebuilding the sponsorship, event and broadcast programs for USA Track and Field.
He has also worked with many other sports bodies to fulfil their commercial potential including the Americas Cup, ATP Tour, Gravity Games and Major League Soccer.
Mr Hopkins welcomed the opportunity to lead the growth and development of cricket in the USA.
'I am excited to be able to help cricket expand its presence in the United States and look forward to introducing the excitement of One-Day International games to fans across the country,' he said.
The appointment of the Chief Executive Officer was made in conjunction with the United States of America Cricket Association (USACA), a volunteer organisation.
The CEO will report to a sub-committee comprising representatives from the ICC, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and the USACA. The position will initially be underwritten by the ICC.
The USACA President, Gladstone Dainty, was delighted that the project is set to begin.
'USA Cricket eagerly looks forward to the possibility of One-Day International cricket on our soil. We look forward to working with Gary to achieve just that,' said Mr Dainty.
The President of the WICB, Mr Teddy Griffith, said the West Indies was fully behind the appointment and development of cricket in the USA.
'As a Full Member of the ICC and the Americas Development Region, the West Indies Cricket Board is fully committed to supporting this special project for cricket in the United States,' said Mr Griffith.
'The West Indies Cricket Board looks forward to doing all it can to bring the desired events to fruition.'
Mr Hopkins, who will be based in Pennsylvania, will take up his position from Monday 16 August.
For further information:
Brendan McClements
General Manager – ICC Corporate Affairs
Ph + 44 (0) 20 7266 1818
Mob + 44 (0) 7786 194974
Stephanie Beltrame
Project Officer – ICC Corporate Affairs
Ph + 44 (0) 20 7266 7916
Mob + 44 (0) 77 483 111 22
Email stephanie.beltrame@icc-cricket.com
The appointment follows the ICC’s commitment to developing cricket around the world, and is the first step in a strategic project to increase the profile and participation levels of cricket in the USA.
The CEO's primary task will be to secure the support of the ICC’s Full Member nations to participate in a One-Day International tournament in the USA, and to coordinate the staging of any such event.
Any income from international matches staged in the USA will pave the way for investment in appropriate professional staffing, coach education, facility developments competition structures and programs in schools.
ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed said the search for a Chief Executive Officer to lead the development of cricket in the USA was given the support of the ICC's Executive Board in October last year.
'The ICC is delighted that, after a vigorous world-wide selection process, Gary has accepted this unique role,' said Mr Speed.
'This is an exciting and challenging time for cricket in the United States and he brings to the position a wealth of relevant experience and expertise.'
An Englishman and passionate cricket follower, Mr Hopkins has extensive experience in the sports industry having lived and worked in the United States for the past 14 years.
He has held senior executive positions with Octagon, API Sponsorship and the International Academy.
Mr Hopkins’s expertise in event development, production, broadcasting, sponsorship and marketing includes eight years assisting the United States Soccer Federation with the commercial development of the sport in the USA, as well as five years rebuilding the sponsorship, event and broadcast programs for USA Track and Field.
He has also worked with many other sports bodies to fulfil their commercial potential including the Americas Cup, ATP Tour, Gravity Games and Major League Soccer.
Mr Hopkins welcomed the opportunity to lead the growth and development of cricket in the USA.
'I am excited to be able to help cricket expand its presence in the United States and look forward to introducing the excitement of One-Day International games to fans across the country,' he said.
The appointment of the Chief Executive Officer was made in conjunction with the United States of America Cricket Association (USACA), a volunteer organisation.
The CEO will report to a sub-committee comprising representatives from the ICC, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and the USACA. The position will initially be underwritten by the ICC.
The USACA President, Gladstone Dainty, was delighted that the project is set to begin.
'USA Cricket eagerly looks forward to the possibility of One-Day International cricket on our soil. We look forward to working with Gary to achieve just that,' said Mr Dainty.
The President of the WICB, Mr Teddy Griffith, said the West Indies was fully behind the appointment and development of cricket in the USA.
'As a Full Member of the ICC and the Americas Development Region, the West Indies Cricket Board is fully committed to supporting this special project for cricket in the United States,' said Mr Griffith.
'The West Indies Cricket Board looks forward to doing all it can to bring the desired events to fruition.'
Mr Hopkins, who will be based in Pennsylvania, will take up his position from Monday 16 August.
For further information:
Brendan McClements
General Manager – ICC Corporate Affairs
Ph + 44 (0) 20 7266 1818
Mob + 44 (0) 7786 194974
Stephanie Beltrame
Project Officer – ICC Corporate Affairs
Ph + 44 (0) 20 7266 7916
Mob + 44 (0) 77 483 111 22
Email stephanie.beltrame@icc-cricket.com