Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced that Johnny Grave will step down as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the end of October 2024, bringing to a close a transformative tenure that has spanned over seven years. Since assuming the role in February 2017, Grave has navigated the organization through some of its most challenging and pivotal moments, leaving an indelible mark on West Indies cricket.

Grave’s departure comes at a time when CWI is celebrating several significant achievements under his leadership, including the recent success of the T20 World Cup hosted in the Caribbean. Reflecting on his tenure, Grave expressed both pride and a sense of fulfillment:

“It has been an absolute privilege to have been CEO of CWI since February 2017. 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.”

These words capture the essence of Grave’s impact—a leader who has overseen a period of financial stability and growth for CWI, even as global sports organizations faced unprecedented difficulties. Grave’s tenure, however, was not just about balance sheets; it was about steering the ship through rough waters, including the challenging years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“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.”

These sentiments highlight Grave’s appreciation for the team that worked alongside him through one of the most tumultuous periods in recent history. The pandemic disrupted global sports, and yet under Grave’s guidance, CWI managed to keep the game alive in the region, hosting key tournaments and ensuring the continuation of cricket in the Caribbean.

One of the most noteworthy achievements during Grave’s tenure was the acquisition and full ownership of the Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG). This historic move provided CWI with a permanent home and established the CCG as the headquarters and training ground for the Men’s and Women’s Academies—a legacy that will benefit West Indies cricket for generations to come.

CWI President Dr. Kishore Shallow commended Grave’s leadership, particularly during the pandemic, and the successful hosting of three World Cups:

“Johnny’s efforts, particularly through challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as successfully hosting three World Cups including the Women’s World T20 in 2018, the Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup in 2022, and the recent Men’s T20 World Cup, have made a lasting impact on CWI.”

Dr. Shallow’s remarks underscore the significance of Grave’s contributions, not just in terms of event management but in ensuring that West Indies cricket remains competitive on the global stage. The hosting of these tournaments was a testament to CWI’s organizational capability and its standing within the international cricket community.

Looking ahead, Dr. Shallow emphasized the importance of building on the strong foundations laid by Grave:

“As we look forward to embracing a new chapter in the organization’s evolution, CWI is poised to deliver the new strategic plan and enter a new era of governance. This transition reflects our commitment to adapting and innovating in response to the evolving landscape of cricket.”

CWI will soon initiate a comprehensive recruitment process to select the next CEO, ensuring a seamless transition and continuity in leadership. The process will be conducted transparently, with details to be announced in the coming weeks.