Allott, 54, played 10 Tests and 31 ODIs between 1996 and 2000, including a stunning 1999 ODI World Cup where he was equal leading wicket-taker for the tournament with 20 scalps at 16.25 from nine games. He finished level with Shane Warne despite playing one game fewer.
But his post playing career in cricket management and governance has been a major reason for his appointment. Post his playing career Allott served as a founding board member of the NZC Players Association in 2002. Allott was appointed General Manager of Cricket at NZC between 2008-2010 before serving on the board of Canterbury Cricket for three years and then serving a full eight-year stint as a director on the NZC board between 2013-2021. He was awarded NZC Life Membership in 2022 for his services to New Zealand Cricket.
Allott, who will be NZC’s sixth CEO, said he was keen to unify NZC after some of the division around its future.
“Having worn the silver fern as a player, served as General Manager of Cricket, and contributed for over eight years as a board director, I have a deep connection to this organisation and our game,” Allott said.
“I look forward to working collaboratively with the board, players, staff, member associations, and our commercial partners to build strong relationships, foster a positive and constructive culture, and deliver outstanding results both on and off the field.
“By strengthening relationships through all levels of the game here, we can ensure New Zealand cricket remains competitive, sustainable, and thriving at every level.”
NZC Chair Diana Puketapu-Lyndon said Allott was the most credentialed person for the role moving forward.
“Geoff brings a rare and highly-relevant combination of attributes to the role: deep cricket expertise as a former New Zealand representative, invaluable experience within NZC as former General Manager of Cricket and Board member, and strong commercial leadership as Executive Director of his company QualityNZ,” Puketapu-Lyndon said.
“We’re confident his playing background, institutional knowledge, business acumen, and international outlook make him exceptionally well placed to lead NZC through the next phase of growth and development.
“On behalf of the Board, I welcome Geoff and wish him every success. We’re confident he’ll be a strong, collaborative leader who will work closely with all stakeholders to deliver an exciting future for New Zealand cricket.”
