NZCPA Appoints Simon Porter as Chief Executive

The New Zealand Cricket Players’ Association has appointed Simon Porter as its new Chief Executive, bringing significant experience across athlete advocacy, commercial leadership, law and cricket governance. Simon will officially begin in the role on 11 June.

Simon has extensive experience across professional sport and high-performance environments, along with a strong appreciation of athlete welfare and the realities facing professional players. A former professional rugby player, he has spent nearly two decades with Halo Sport, including the past nine years as Managing Director.

In that role, Simon has led work across strategy, commercial matters, governance and stakeholder relationships, working closely with athletes, sporting organisations and sponsors.

NZCPA Chair Ross Verry said Simon’s appointment reflected the breadth of experience required for the role.

“Simon brings the leadership, strategic and advocacy experience needed to represent players and lead the NZCPA into its next chapter.

“The Chief Executive is central to representing the interests of players, leading key relationships across the game, supporting collective bargaining matters and ensuring the NZCPA remains a strong and effective voice for New Zealand’s professional cricketers, past and present.

“Simon’s background across athlete representation, commercial matters, law and cricket governance gives him a strong platform to lead the NZCPA and continue advancing the rights, welfare and interests of our members.”

Simon has also served for nine years on the Central Districts Cricket Board, including as Deputy Chair and Chair of the High-Performance Sub-Committee.

Simon’s connection to cricket spans playing, coaching and volunteering, from backyard and age-group cricket through to grassroots involvement.

Incoming Chief Executive Simon Porter said he was looking forward to joining the NZCPA and working on behalf of its members.

“The NZCPA has a proud history of advocating for and supporting players, and I am honoured to have the opportunity to contribute to that work.

“I am excited to work alongside the Board, staff, players and stakeholders across the game to ensure current and past professional cricketers continue to be strongly represented, supported and heard.”

Simon will meet with members and key stakeholders over the coming months.