Cricket Tasmania CEO David Johnston retires ‘off a long run-up’

CRICKET Tasmania has hit turbulent waters, losing its second executive in only three weeks.

David Johnston, CEO Cricket Tasmania, has the honour of being Australian cricket’s longest serving CEO.

CRICKET Tasmania has hit turbulent waters, losing its second executive in only three weeks.

After the loss of Hobart Hurricanes general manager Michael Roberts, CT is now preparing to say goodbye to CEO David Johnston.

The news comes just over two weeks ahead of Hobart’s second Test between Australia and South Africa at Blundstone Arena starting on November 12.

The son of Bill Johnston, a wily left-arm bowler and member of Bradman’s 1948 “Invincibles”, Johnston will retire “off a long run-up”.

CT chairman Andrew Gaggin announced “Johnno” was not likely to depart until mid-2017, providing ample time to find a suitable replacement for Australian cricket’s longest serving CEO.

“It is difficult to think of Cricket Tasmania and Blundstone Arena without David at the helm, but we understand that for him the time is right to move on and pursue other business and lifestyle options,” Gaggin said.

“David will leave Cricket Tasmania in robust health, with the association having gone from strength to strength during his tenure.

“He will be sorely missed, not just by the players, Cricket Tasmania directors, members and staff, but by all those who visit Blundstone Arena.

“David’s boots will be hard to fill, however the Cricket Tasmania Board has retained national executive search firm Egon Zehnder to assist in identifying potential candidates to succeed David as CEO.

“Cricket Tasmania’s aim is to complete the process as soon as possible but the first priority is to identify the best person for the job.”

Johnston was a good cricketer in his own right.

He was a more than useful bowler who played 10 first-class matches for South Australia, taking 23 wickets at an average of 33 and averaging 24 with the bat.

He also played 19 one-day matches for South Australia, highlighted by being a member of the McDonald’s Cup one-day championship-winning team in 1983-84.

He said it would be difficult to leave his second home, Bellerive Oval.

“It is with some regret that I conclude my time at Cricket Tasmania, which has been such a major part of my life and my families’ life for the past 19 years,” Johnston said.

“However, I think the time is now right to move on and pursue other business opportunities and to allow the association to be led by another person in the next exciting phase of its development.

I will certainly miss the challenges involved in ensuring that Tasmania continues to compete and succeed in the national competitions and be of influence in the national business of cricket

“I could not have achieved so much without the support of my staff, the Cricket Tasmania Board, members, players, coaches and all the volunteers that help make cricket Tasmania’s number one sport.

“The reputation that Cricket Tasmania and Blundstone Arena enjoys throughout the world has made it a pleasure to come to work.

“I will certainly miss the challenges involved in ensuring that Tasmania continues to compete and succeed in the national competitions and be of influence in the national business of cricket.

“However, I know that I leave Cricket Tasmania in a solid position to continue the work it has performed for the Tasmanian community over such a long period.”

Key highlights of the Johnston era

Overseeing the redevelopment of Blundstone Arena, including the construction of the David Boon, Ricky Ponting and Members’ stands;

Installation of world-class arena lights at Blundstone Arena;

More than trebling membership of Cricket Tasmania to its current level of 2500;

Opening the Cricket Museum at Blundstone Arena;

Unprecedented success of the Tasmanian tigers, including three Shield and three One-Day titles;

The elevation of many Tasmanian players to Australian national teams;

Formation and success of the Hobart Hurricanes men’s and women’s teams;

Overseeing the growth of female cricket including the formation of the Tasmanian Roar team;

Negotiating the first naming rights sponsor for a major Australian cricket ground;

Growing participation in the game such that in 2016 almost 40,000 Tasmanians took part in organised cricket;

Overseeing the development of a number of Cricket Tasmania staff who have advanced to positions with Cricket Australia and other cricket and sporting organisations;

Being a strong contributor to the transformation of Australian cricket through the One Team Project;

Securing AFL football for Blundstone Arena on a long-term basis including Tasmanian’s first ever Friday night “Blockbuster” fixture;

Achieving a record crowd at Blundstone Arena of 18,114;

Securing Tasmanian’s first “Big 3” Test Match involving South Africa.

Originally published as Cricket Tasmania CEO David Johnston retires ‘off a long run-up’