Central Districts are poised to welcome one of their own into office with the appointment of Neil Hood as chief executive, effective next Monday.
A long-serving administrator in lower North Island cricket, Mr Hood was for 10 years Manawatu’s general manager, having previously helped turn around the fortunes of the Horowhenua-Kapiti Cricket Association.
He is a qualified business consultant and played a central role in many recent initiatives in Manawatu cricket, including a world-class indoor grass facility in Palmerston North, and custom-designed sight-screens for Fitzherbert Park – paving the way for the ground’s return to first-class status.
Affectionately known as “Pods”, Mr Hood played for the Horowhenua-Kapiti representative team, ran the Manawatu association’s spin-bowling academy; has coached several of the region’s junior sides, and more recently, the women’s representative team.
He said he was looking forward to the challenges that went hand-in-hand with such a far-flung Major Association.
“I believe the key to success for Central Districts has always resided, and will always reside, in the Districts, said Mr Hood.”
“It's going to take a lot of hard work but my priority is to unify the pride and passion of the CD cricket community and achieve results we all can be proud of.”
Blair Robinson, chairman of the Central Districts’ board, said Mr Hood was well-known in the Central Districts cricket community, having grown up in the region and involved himself closely in the game over a number of years.
“We’re delighted to welcome “Pods” to the chief executive role,” said Mr Robinson.
“He’s created a proven track record at District Association level, and the Board are looking forward to him bringing his passion and skills to Major Association level”.
