Cricket ACT's search for a new chief executive is over with a new boss set to fill the void next month.
Anthony Ilott will commence his role as chief executive from July 27, filling the role left vacant by Olivia Thornton following her move to Tennis NSW.
Punch his name into Google and you'll get results for an English actor best known for Wrong Turn 6, Bite and Emmerdale - but that's not the man tasked with leading Cricket ACT alongside chairman Greg Boorer.
Ilott comes to Cricket ACT via Visit Victoria, where he serves as director of strategy and planning, following stints at Cricket Victoria and Crown Melbourne.
Belinda Humphreys - Cricket ACT's head of people and culture - has been serving as interim chief executive during the search for Thornton's replacement.
Ilott was tasked with leading government relations and infrastructure engagement during a two-year stint at Cricket Victoria from 2017-19.
"My focus will be on strengthening participation across all levels of the game, supporting clubs and volunteers, enhancing pathways for players, and ensuring cricket remains inclusive, accessible and sustainable for future generations," Ilott said.
"Collaboration will be central to our success. I look forward to working with Cricket Australia, local clubs, government and community partners to unlock new opportunities, invest in facilities and programs, and further elevate cricket's impact across the ACT."
Ilott will arrive in Canberra with the game at a critical juncture amid a renewed push for the ACT's inclusion in the Big Bash.
Boorer's desire to have a team playing out of Manuka Oval captured plenty of attention after Cricket Victoria revealed their intention to sell the Melbourne Renegades, while retaining and rebranding the Melbourne Stars.
Hopes Boorer would be able to buy the licence have simmered with the Stars and Renegades to continue playing under their current brands for the 2026-27 season.
Ilott and Boorer have found allies in a group of federal politicians who are calling for a Cricket Australia reform in what would be the biggest head office shake-up in decades.
Senator Katy Gallagher and federal members Andrew Leigh, David Smith and Alicia Payne have sent a letter to Cricket Australia chairman Mike Baird, calling for a governance structure overhaul which would see Cricket ACT and Northern Territory Cricket become full members of Cricket Australia.
The move would give Ilott and Boorer a seat at the table with the game's most powerful voices.
"Importantly, Anthony brings direct experience from within cricket, combined with a strong track record in organisational transformation and growth," Boorer said.
"This positions Cricket ACT exceptionally well as we continue to expand participation, strengthen pathways, and enhance the role cricket plays across the ACT community."
"Anthony is a highly accomplished leader with a deep understanding of the intersection between sport, government and community. Anthony has demonstrated a consistent ability to deliver complex strategic outcomes, secure significant investment, and build strong, enduring stakeholder relationships."
