Former New Zealand captain and current Canterbury Cricket chief executive Lee Germon has been appointed General Manager of the Sydney Thunder.
Lee Germon is leaving Canterbury cricket for the Sydney Thunder. Photo: RNZ / Max Towle
Germon, who will leave Canterbury cricket at the end of June, replaces Nick Cummins, who joins Cricket Tasmania as CEO after rebuilding the Thunder to men's and women's Big Bash League champions last year.
Appointed New Zealand captain in 1995 before he had played a Test, the wicket-keeper batsman played 12 Tests, 37 one-day internationals and 103 first class matches.
After three years as CEO of the Tasman Rugby Union, in 2008 Germon was appointed CEO of Canterbury Cricket, where he had been captain.
Cricket NSW CEO Andrew Jones says Germon beat a high quality field of local and overseas candidates.
"Cricket NSW is delighted to announce Lee Germon as General Manager of the Sydney Thunder," Mr Jones said.
"As a former international cricketer with proven leadership skills and a strong background in administration Lee has a great feel for the game on and off the field.
"More than that Lee has a strong vision for the future. The Thunder already has sell-out crowds and impressive television ratings and Lee intends to make it the most-loved club in Australia."
Mr Germon said the Thunder had built a strong relationship with Canterbury over the past two years through preseason tours.
"From my first-hand experience with the Sydney Thunder what really appeals to me is the culture of the club and the positive change from where it has come from over the past four years," Mr Germon said.
"Knowing the role that it plays in the community is something that really impresses me and makes me want to be part of the organisation.
"At Canterbury we've established a community engagement program that's been successful and I'd really like to develop that further with the Thunder.
"Cricket is my passion. I love cricket and I want to make as big a difference as I can through cricket as a sport.
"As a player and administrator I've seen what a positive impact the game can have on people and I know T20 provides the best opportunity to do that.
"The Big Bash has been phenomenal. It's been put up in lights in New Zealand and my son is a big Sydney Thunder fan. He watches every game on TV and I think he wears his Thunder shirt more than his Canterbury one."
-RNZ
