Johnny Grave to step down as CWI CEO in October 2024

Cricket West Indies’ chief executive officer (CEO) Johnny Grave's tenure is nearing its end, with October 2024 set to be his last month at the helm, having taken over the role in February 2017. Grave, who had nine years of experience as commercial director at the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) in England before the CWI stint, had taken charge after Michael Muirhead’s term had come to an end.

"It has been an absolute privilege to have been CEO of CWI since February 2017," Grave said in a CWI press release. "Having just hosted a successful T20 World Cup and delivered significant surpluses for CWI for the third consecutive year, I do feel it is the right time for me and my family to seek a new challenge.

"I have received tremendous support from so many people since becoming CEO and I'd like to thank everyone, especially the staff and the players, particularly during the difficult pandemic, for their trust in me and their commitment to West Indies cricket. I have put everything into this role, and now is the right time for someone new with fresh energy to lead the organisation and continue this important work and build on the strong foundations that are now in place."

There were as many as three World Cups in the Caribbean in Grave’s reign, the most recent being the 2024 T20 World Cup, which West Indies co-hosted with the USA. The 2024 iteration was the first ICC men’s event in the Caribbean since 2010. The other two world events in his tenure were the Women’s T20 World Cup in 2018 and the Under-19 World Cup in 2022. His tenure also included the severely challenging period of the Covid-19 pandemic, when sporting action of all forms was brought to an abrupt halt.

Kishore Shallow, the CWI President, was effusive in praise for Grave’s efforts and commitment towards West Indies cricket, including his compelling request to the dominant stakeholders of the game to ensure that red-ball game thrives outside the Big Three – India, England and Australia. 

"Johnny's efforts, particularly through challenging times such as the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as successfully hosting three World Cups including have made a lasting impact on CWI," Kishore Shallow, CWI President said.

"Appreciably, the organisation has taken many positive strides during his tenure. A standout achievement is the acquisition and full ownership of the Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG), which is now our headquarters and home to our Men's and Women's Academies," he added.

CWI stated that it is “dedicated to ensuring a thorough and transparent selection process” to select Grave’s successor. "Details regarding the recruitment process will be announced shortly and will be published across various media platforms to keep stakeholders informed."