Heath Mills to Step Down as NZCPA Chief Executive after more than two Decades of Service

12 March 2026

The New Zealand Cricket Players Association (NZCPA) today announced that long-serving Chief Executive Heath Mills will step down from the role in June, bringing to a close more than 25 years of service to New Zealand’s professional cricketers.

Mills has led the NZCPA since 2001 and has played a central role in shaping the modern landscape for professional cricketers in New Zealand and internationally.

During his tenure the NZCPA developed a range of pioneering initiatives designed to support players during and beyond their playing careers, including the Personal Development Programme, the NZCPA Retirement Fund, the Cricketers’ Hardship Trust and the Cricket Players’ Property Trust. These programmes are widely regarded as global benchmarks for player welfare and support.

Mills has also been a strong advocate for the growth and professionalisation of the women’s game in New Zealand. Under his leadership the NZCPA played a key role in bringing men’s and women’s professional cricketers under a single Master Agreement in 2022, introducing equal match fees for the same work across international and domestic cricket and strengthening the professional pathway for women in the sport.

Mills said the decision to step down had been a difficult one, but that the time felt right for both himself and the organisation.

“This hasn’t been an easy decision. The NZCPA has been a huge part of my life for more than 25 years, and the experiences, opportunities, challenges and relationships along the way have shaped me profoundly,” Mills said.

“I’ve been incredibly fortunate that the game’s best players have trusted me to serve them in this role. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has allowed me to represent and support them, and I hope I’ve been able to contribute in a way that justifies that trust.”

While stepping away from the NZCPA CEO role, Mills will continue to work closely within the global cricket landscape through his position as Executive Chairman of the World Cricketers’ Association.

He will also remain involved with the NZCPA in a project management capacity over the next 18 months, helping oversee negotiations for the next Master Agreement with New Zealand Cricket and the six Major Associations.

“When I look at the NZCPA today, it’s remarkable how far the organisation has come from those early beginnings. A generation of players has built something that will support players long into the future, and I feel very fortunate to have played a small part in helping them achieve it” Mills said.

“The association’s greatest strength has always been the unity of the players — standing together for one another and for those who will follow.”

NZCPA Chair Ross Verry paid tribute to Mills’ leadership and influence on both the organisation and the wider game.

“Heath has been one of the most knowledgeable, progressive and influential leaders in New Zealand sport over the past two decades, and his impact has been felt across the global game,” Verry said.

“More importantly, he has always been absolutely committed to the members of the NZCPA. Heath has consistently had the players’ backs — past and present — and has represented them with loyalty, integrity and a deep sense of purpose.”

Verry said Mills had led significant innovation within the players’ association movement while navigating a constantly evolving cricket landscape.

“Under Heath’s leadership the NZCPA has become an organisation that players around the world look to as a benchmark. Initiatives like the Personal Development Programme, the Retirement Fund, the Cricketers’ Hardship Trust and the Cricket Players’ Property Trust have created opportunities and security for players long after their playing careers end.”

“He has also been a passionate supporter of the women’s game and played a key role in the progress that has enabled more women to pursue cricket as a profession in New Zealand.”

Mills’ contribution to the sport has also been recognised across the wider cricket community. In 2022 he was awarded the Bert Sutcliffe Medal, New Zealand cricket’s highest honour for services to the game.

“The awarding of the Bert Sutcliffe Medal reflects the immense respect Heath holds across the game,” Verry said.

“On a personal level, he has also been a great friend to me and to many others involved with the NZCPA over the years.”

Verry confirmed the NZCPA Board will begin a process to appoint Mills’ successor in the coming weeks.

“Our focus now is ensuring the NZCPA continues to build on the strong foundation Heath has helped create, while keeping players at the centre of everything the organisation does,” Verry said.

“We are fortunate that Heath will remain close to the organisation through his global work with the World Cricketers’ Association and his involvement in the upcoming Master Agreement negotiations.”

Mills will remain in the CEO role until 3 June 2026.