Bay Of Plenty Cricket Appoint New Chief Executive Officer

Posted: Friday, 4 November 2016

CEO Announced

An extremely experienced cricket administrator with strong banking and commercial backgrounds, has been appointed as the new CEO of the Bay of Plenty Cricket Association.

Long-time Western Bay of Plenty resident and businessman Chris Rapson, was announced as the incoming BOPCA Chief Executive Officer at the Bay of Plenty Cricket Association AGM, held last Monday (31 October 2016) evening.

Bay of Plenty Cricket Chairman Richard Dey said “The Board has been through an extensive process of reviewing the scope of the CEO role and considering some very high calibre applicants for the position”. “We are delighted that Chris is able to commit himself full time to Bay of Plenty Cricket. His in depth understanding of the key issues facing the grass roots game and his passion for the sport, mean that he is ideally suited to lead our organization forward under our vision of being the best district cricket association in the country”.

Chris Rapson has been involved in cricket as a player, coach and volunteer administrator for well over three decades. After coaching son Ben in junior cricket, his arrival in the Bay of Plenty saw him play a big part in the rejuvenation of junior cricket in the region. A major agenda item in the revival of junior cricket, was the establishment of a junior and age-group cricket pathway, which has produced several home-grown Bay of Plenty Black Caps and a number professional cricket players.

A transition to senior cricket administration, has seen Chris go on to become Bay of Plenty Cricket Chairman and he is currently Bay Oval Trust Chairman. Chris has also served as a Northern Districts Cricket Board Member.

In 2010, over 30 years of voluntary service to cricket was recognized, when Chris was presented with the ICC centenary medal, which was one of 1000 given out amongst the 104 ICC member countries. The medals, of which just fifty were awarded to New Zealand, were given for exceptional voluntary cricket service.

Chris Rapson said “I’m very much looking forward to contributing to the further development of cricket throughout the Bay of Plenty in my new role”. “Over the years of my involvement in cricket I have come to understand that nothing happens without the input we get from so many volunteers and renewing those connections and hearing of the challenges and how we might make progress, will be a great starting point”.

“Bay of Plenty Cricket is in very good heart and we are really fortunate to have great weather, great facilities, great people and a strong determination to be the best provincial cricket association in New Zealand. Where Bay of Plenty has got to, is due to the efforts of everyone who has preceded us and we intend to continue to build on past success”. “Thanks are due to the team at my business, who have stepped up, allowing me to take up this wonderful opportunity with Bay of Plenty Cricket”.

Share this page: