The BCCI has appointed the media professional, Rahul Johri as its first Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Johri quit after spending 15 years with a broadcasting major, Discovery Networks, where he was Asia Pacific?s executive vice-president and general manager for south Asia. He will take on his new role starting June 1st, 2016 and, according to the BCCI, he will be responsible for “smooth functioning of operations, stakeholder management and building robust strategies for further promoting the sport.” Johri will report to BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur and will be based in Mumbai.
The creation of the post of the CEO was a change recommended by the three-member Lodha panel in its report in January this year. The panel had stressed the need for the BCCI to separate its governance and management duties, with the CEO taking charge of the management side. It also made recommendations for a clear function of operational duties from the governance and policy-makers of the board.
The BCCI, however, had said the creation of the CEO and CFO posts was part of an initiative called ‘Project Transformation’ aimed at improving governance, and operational and financial processes. The board had hired auditing giant Deloitte for this initiative in October last year, one of the first steps taken by its new president Shashank Manohar. “We are pleased to have Rahul with us and are sure his vast experience and knowledge will benefit the board. His vision, guidance,?support will contribute towards the successful working of the BCCI,? BCCI president Shashank Manohar said in a press release.
Anurag Thakur said in a press release. “In the past one year, BCCI has undertaken various initiatives aimed towards transforming the working of BCCI in order to make the functioning more robust. This endeavor is another initiative of the board aimed in the same direction and will mark one more milestone towards strengthening the professional working of the BCCI.”
Johri?commented: “I am honoured at the opportunity to serve millions of Indian Cricket Fans. It will be my utmost endeavor to contribute to the Indian Cricket.?I am thankful to the President and Honorary Secretary?of the BCCI for bestowing such faith in me. I look forward to?everyone?s support to fulfill this tremendous responsibility.”
Well, this is a huge step in Indian Cricket. Hopefully,?it will bring about a change for which it is being done.
