Julian Metherell Appointed as New MCC President
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A New Chapter for the Home of Cricket
The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has announced that Julian Metherell, the current chair of the London Spirit, will serve as the club’s next president. Metherell is set to step into the role this coming October, succeeding the incumbent, Ed Smith. This transition signals a period of strategic continuity for the historic club as it balances its traditional values with the evolving landscape of global cricket.
A Wealth of Experience
Metherell brings an extensive background in finance and corporate governance to the presidency. Having been a member of the MCC for four decades, his roots in the game are deep. His professional career is equally impressive; he served as a partner at Goldman Sachs from 1999 to 2011, during which time he held the position of Chief Executive Officer for the UK investment banking division. Furthermore, he is the founder and Chief Financial Officer of Genel Energy and has held significant non-executive roles, including his chairmanship of the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) from 2019 to 2024.
The London Spirit Connection
The appointment of Metherell is inextricably linked to the changing structure of domestic cricket. He played a pivotal role in the 2025 Hundred equity sale, where he successfully led negotiations for the MCC. The deal saw a Silicon Valley consortium, headed by Palo Alto Networks CEO Nikesh Arora, invest approximately £145 million for a 49% stake in London Spirit. This landmark deal established London Spirit as the wealthiest franchise within the competition. Following the transfer of ownership on October 1, 2025, Metherell was appointed as the franchise chair, a position he continues to hold.
A Vision for the Future
Expressing his gratitude for the nomination, Metherell noted, “I am deeply honoured to take on the role of MCC President, following in the footsteps of many of my cricketing idols. I have a long connection with MCC and I have many cherished memories at Lord’s.” He emphasized that this is a transformative time for the organization, particularly as it manages the professionalization of its cricket teams and continues to grow the influence of the London Spirit brand. Recent developments, such as the rebranding of the team’s kit to feature the classic MCC egg-and-bacon livery alongside the royal blue scheme, highlight this new direction.
Endorsement from Ed Smith
Ed Smith, the outgoing president, was instrumental in nominating Metherell, noting the importance of selecting a successor with both financial acumen and a genuine love for the sport. “During such an exciting period for MCC, I wanted to choose a successor with huge expertise and experience, combined with a deep passion for the game and for the club,” Smith stated. “Julian Metherell is a great and trusted friend to cricket and an exceptional candidate.”
Looking Ahead: The 2027 Ashes
As Metherell prepares to take the reins, the club is looking ahead to a busy calendar. One of the most significant events during his tenure will be the 2027 Ashes series, where Lord’s will host both the men’s and women’s Australian teams. With his extensive experience in high-stakes negotiations and his long-standing commitment to the club, Metherell is well-positioned to guide the MCC through its next phase, ensuring that the ‘Home of Cricket’ remains at the center of the sport’s global evolution.
