David White appointed New Zealand Cricket chief

Former Rugby administrator David White was on Monday appointed the CEO of New Zealand Cricket, replacing Justin Vaughan who served NZC for four and a half years.

"The Board of New Zealand Cricket is pleased to announce the appointment of David White as the organisation's new Chief Executive," NZC said in a statement.

"David is an experienced sports and events administrator. He is a former Chief Executive of Auckland Rugby and the Blues and before that Chief Executive of Wellington Rugby and the Hurricanes," it added.

White is a Board member of the New Zealand Cricket Players Association, a role that he will resign from before taking up his appointment from February 1 next year.

White recently returned to New Zealand after three years in England, as CEO of Bristol Rugby, to head up Rugby Travel and Hospitality's successful Official Travel and Hospitality Programme for Rugby World Cup 2011.

"The Board of NZC is delighted to have secured the services of such an experienced sports administrator as David. In addition it is a bonus that David has represented New Zealand in cricket and played for Northern District's for 15 years, including being captain for two seasons," said Chris Moller, Chairman of NZC.

White is a qualified Physical Education teacher and completed an accountancy degree at Massey University in 1990. He will be based at Lincoln, although his family will continue to reside in Auckland.

"The Board of New Zealand Cricket is acutely aware that David's appointment will fuel speculation about the future location of New Zealand Cricket," said Moller.

"I can assure everyone that no decision has been made regarding the future location of New Zealand Cricket and if and when such a matter is considered, it will be a decision made by the Board, not by the CEO."

Moller thanked outgoing Chief Executive, Justin Vaughan, for his contribution to New Zealand Cricket.

Vaughan had cited two main reasons for his departure; the need for NZC to have a CEO who will commit through to the co-hosting of the World Cup of 2015, and the intense travel requirements of the role, which is not ideal with a young family.