Julian Metherell Appointed as New President of Marylebone Cricket Club

Julian Metherell Takes the Helm at MCC

London [UK], May 7: The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has announced Julian Metherell as its new president, succeeding former England cricketer Ed Smith. Metherell, who currently chairs the London Spirit and played a pivotal role in the franchise's Hundred equity negotiations, will officially take office in October.

With a long-standing association with MCC and a background in global finance spanning four decades, Metherell is stepping into a significant ceremonial position in the cricketing world, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.

Previously, Metherell was a partner at Goldman Sachs from 1999 until 2011, where he held the role of chief executive officer for the investment banking division in the UK during his final years there.

He is also the founder and CFO of Genel Energy, with interests in both the energy and shipping industries.

In addition to his financial career, Metherell has been actively involved in cricket governance. He served as the non-executive chair of the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) from 2019 to 2024 and currently leads the advisory board at Cambridge University’s Judge Business School.

Expressing his excitement, Metherell stated, “It is a great honor to assume the role of MCC President, following in the footsteps of many cricketing legends. I have a long-standing connection with MCC and many treasured memories at Lord’s. This is an exciting time to be part of MCC, especially as it embarks on a new era of professional cricket ownership.”

Metherell was instrumental in the MCC's negotiations for the 2025 Hundred equity sale, where a consortium led by Silicon Valley, including Palo Alto Networks CEO Nikesh Arora, acquired a 49% stake in London Spirit for around £145 million, marking it as the highest-valued franchise in the league.

After this deal, he became the chair of London Spirit when operational control transitioned from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to the new ownership group last October.

Smith, who nominated Metherell as his successor, commended his combination of business acumen and love for cricket. “During this exciting time for MCC, I wanted to select a successor with extensive expertise and a genuine passion for the game and the club,” Smith remarked. “Julian Metherell is a trusted friend of cricket and an outstanding choice.”

Metherell's presidency arrives at a transformative moment for MCC, with London Spirit playing a growing role in shaping the club's strategic vision. Earlier this year, the franchise revealed a new identity that incorporates MCC’s traditional egg-and-bacon colors into the team’s royal blue design.

During his presidency, Lord’s is set to host both the men’s and women’s Australian teams for the 2027 Ashes series.