Surrey County Cricket Club Managing Director Charlie Hodgson has been appointed to the coveted role of Chief Executive Officer of the South Australian Cricket Association (SACA).
Hodgson, who has an impressive pedigree in cricket administration and commercial operations, will succeed Keith Bradshaw after he passed away last month following a long battle with illness.
SACA President Andrew Sinclair says Hodgson’s credentials and track record in helping cultivate both grass roots and elite cricket at one of the most historic sports clubs in the UK made him an excellent choice for the role.
“He’s got big shoes to fill – there’s no doubt about that – but the Board is confident he will make a very positive impact, especially given the synergies between Surrey CCC and the SACA.
“Both are steeped in history, are home to iconic grounds, have deep-seated community connections, have produced an array of international players and play host to major global cricket tournaments,” Mr Sinclair said.
Photo Credit: LinkedIn profile photo of Andrew Sinclair
Hodgson is currently Interim Chief Executive of Surrey CCC, having stepped up from MD and prior to that, held the role of Commercial Director for eight years. Hodgson’s connections with Surrey CCC span over 30 years, first as a player before joining the commercial department in 2005. He has an MBA with distinction from Imperial College London.
Among his achievements, Hodgson oversaw a growth in Surrey CCC membership by over 50% over a five-year period, achieved a sustained rise in T20 ticket sales at home ground The Kia Oval and delivered matches in the ICC World Cup and the Ashes. Sales in the club’s conference and events business also grew from £1.1m to £6m a year under Hodgson’s leadership.
Speaking today, Charlie Hodgson said: “It is a great honour to be given the opportunity to lead the South Australian Cricket Association and to continue to build on Keith Bradshaw’s amazing legacy. To join such a thriving Club, with 25,000 members and such heritage and history, at one of the world’s leading sports stadiums is hugely exciting. My family and I cannot wait to get to Adelaide.
“I leave Surrey with fantastic memories from over 30 years of playing and working. In particular, I would like to thank the staff for their incredible efforts this season which has been like no other. They are an amazing group of people and the Club is in great health.”
Hodgson is expected to commence in the role in March 2022. SRI Executive led a confidential and rigorous search across the global cricket landscape for high calibre leaders.
Acting SACA CEO Jodie Newton will continue in the role until that time.
