Ralph Waters announced as ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Deputy Chairman

Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket have announced the appointment of Ralph Waters as Deputy Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, to be hosted in New Zealand and Australia.

Mr Waters has for the last decade been one of New Zealand's most prominent businessmen and having also lived in all the Australian mainland states, is well placed to contribute to this major Trans-Tasman venture. He is the Chairman of Fletcher Building Limited, a Director of Woolworths Limited, Fonterra Co-Operative Limited and Westpac New Zealand Limited and until earlier this year, was Chairman of Fisher & Paykel Appliances Limited. Previously, Mr Waters was Chief Executive of the Sydney based Email Limited and then Chief Executive of the Auckland based Fletcher Building.

James Strong, who was announced last week as Chairman, and his Deputy Mr Waters, will lead the Board overseeing the delivery of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, including the appointment of the Chief Executive Officer.

The Committee Deputy Chairman's appointment was made following an extensive executive search process conducted on behalf of New Zealand Cricket and Cricket Australia.

New Zealand Cricket Board Chairman, Chris Moller, said: "Ralph Waters has an excellent working knowledge of New Zealand, business and our sporting capability. His combination of executive and non-executive leadership roles within some of Australasia's leading companies will make him an excellent Deputy Chairman on the Board charged with preparing and delivering a world class event in 2015. The Board of New Zealand Cricket is delighted that he has accepted this challenging role."

Cricket Australia Chairman, Jack Clarke, said: "We are delighted to have Ralph as the Deputy Chairman on the ICC CWC 2015 Board. To have attracted a highly credentialed candidate like Ralph gives cricket great confidence that we will deliver one of the great sports events this region has seen. Ralph's extensive business experience will be a significant asset to us as we welcome the world to Australia and New Zealand in 2015."

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Waters said: "As a cricket tragic, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be involved in the organisation of the next World Cup. I played years of low level cricket around Australia and for four years in London too. I have travelled the world to watch the Australian team play. Being involved with cricket - and for the two countries where I now share my time - will be a privilege."