Kent Cricket have announced the appointment of Michael Wilshaw as its new Chief Executive Officer.

He will take up his role ahead of the new season, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Club.

Michael joins Kent Cricket after a distinguished executive career leading complex organisational transformations across public and private sectors. Most recently he has served as Managing Director of a Kent-based MedTech business, transforming a non-trading start-up into an award-winning, high-performance group with global reach, recognised with the King’s Award for Innovation and rated ‘Outstanding’ by regulators.

With a long history in high-performance cultures, operational excellence and organisational transformation, Michael brings a proven track record of delivering commercial growth, embedding performance standards, and reshaping organisations in complex stakeholder environments – expertise that will play a pivotal role as Kent navigates a rapidly evolving cricket landscape.

As a Trustee of the Kent Cricket Community Trust, now the Kent Cricket Foundation, and previously on the Board at the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation, Michael also brings a deep understanding of the Club’s community impact across the county and its four London boroughs. His longstanding commitment to inclusivity, grassroots development, and cricket’s power to change lives aligns directly with Kent Cricket’s mission to be a force for good across its communities.

Speaking on his appointment, Michael Wilshaw said: “It’s a genuine privilege to be a part of Kent Cricket’s heritage and global brand.

“In the new world of global multi-format cricket, we in Kent hold a special place with our tradition, stories, and contribution to the sport.

“We face a unique set of challenges and opportunities, and we will work hard to maximise the use of our resources to the highest standards possible, both on and off the pitch. 

“We have a significant amount of existing and in-development talent, and I’m looking forward to working with our players, coaches, staff, partners and communities to realise our full potential, punching well above our weight where we can.”

Kent Cricket’s Chair Krish Shanmuganathan, said: “Michael brings a rare blend of high-performance leadership, commercial acumen, strategic clarity and deep community values.

“His experience transforming organisations, setting exacting standards and delivering sustainable growth makes him the ideal person to guide Kent Cricket into a new era.

“Michael understands the weight of our heritage but also shares our ambition to innovate, grow and compete consistently at the highest level.”

Michael Wilshaw’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Kent Cricket, as the Club advances plans for estate development at Canterbury and Beckenham, invests further in its Talent Pathways, builds new commercial partnerships, and strengthens its commitment to inclusivity and participation across the county.

With a distinguished history behind it and a determined leader ahead of it, Kent Cricket is poised to set new standards, grow its influence and forge the next chapter in its long and proud story.

Picture supplied by Kent Cricket.