Pete De Wet has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Central Districts Cricket Association, effective from 1 August 2016.

Mr De Wet, the outgoing chief executive of the Sunfoil Dolphins and the KwaZulu Natal Cricket Union in South Africa, has a background in sports marketing and major event management.

He said from South Africa he was delighted to be given the opportunity with Central Districts.

“It’s an exciting time to be involved with Central Districts and within the New Zealand cricketing scene.

“Central Districts is a far-flung part of New Zealand’s cricketing heartland, and comes with its own unique challenges.

“We need to ensure that our various stakeholders feel engaged and valued as, together, we take cricket forward throughout the region.

“I am ready for the challenge and my family and I are really looking forward to our move to Napier.”

Central Districts’ Chairman Campbell Furlong said his organisation was pleased to have attracted Mr De Wet, who he believed was well placed to work closely with District Associations to ensure the best possible outcomes.

“We undertook a thorough process and were delighted with the pool of candidates from which we were able to select,” said Mr Furlong.

“We are about to embark on the implementation of a new strategic plan and are confident that in Pete we have found someone who will be able to bring our many parts together to ensure the growth of the entire Central Districts region.”

Mr Furlong also thanked departing Interim CEO Chris Lander.

“The hardest part of this process is having to say goodbye to Chris who stepped into the breach and has led the organisation admirably over 18 months as the Interim CEO.

“We’re sure Chris will bring the same level of dedication and aptitude to his next challenge and we wish him all the best in the future.”

ENDS