Cricket ACT today announces that Chief Executive Officer Olivia Thornton will conclude her tenure following a period of transformative leadership that has significantly strengthened the organisation’s standing within Australian Cricket and beyond.
Reflecting on her time at Cricket ACT, Thornton said it had been an extraordinary privilege to lead such an important cricket jurisdiction.
“Cricket ACT is an organisation that consistently punches above its weight and continues to set the benchmark for innovation, growth, connection and community impact,” Thornton said.
During her tenure, Thornton made history as the first female CEO of Cricket ACT, leading the organisation through one of the most defining periods in its history. Under her leadership, participation has flourished, with record numbers of boys and girls playing cricket across the Territory, reinforcing the organisation’s core purpose of growing and fostering the game at every level. The reinstatement of ACT pathway teams ensured aspiring cricketers once again had the opportunity to proudly represent their Territory.
This participation growth was matched by significant commercial expansion, strengthening Cricket ACT’s financial resilience and long‑term outlook. A strong global outlook was also embedded through the introduction of a strategic international partnership with India, delivered in conjunction with the University of Canberra and the ACT Government’s Office of International Engagement.
A defining feature of Thornton’s leadership was her commitment to impact beyond the field, with a strong focus on meaningful and sustainable community engagement. This included partnerships with key charities and community organisations across Canberra, strengthening cricket’s role as a powerful connector within the community.
Thornton also deepened relationships across all tiers of government, helping to secure historic investment in community cricket facilities and bringing the ACT’s Big Bash League aspirations to the brink of fruition.
Cricket ACT Chair Greg Boorer said Thornton’s impact on the organisation and the game in the Territory would be long‑lasting.
“Olivia’s leadership has been nothing short of transformational for Cricket ACT,” Boorer said. “She led the organisation through one of the most challenging periods our sport has ever faced and yet emerged stronger, more connected and better positioned for the future.
“As our first female CEO, Olivia has broken new ground and set a powerful example, while delivering outstanding outcomes across participation growth, commercial performance, government engagement and national and global positioning.
“On behalf of the Board, I thank Olivia for her drive, integrity and unwavering commitment to our cricket community. She leaves Cricket ACT in a significantly stronger place, and we wish her every success as she takes on her next leadership role.”
Thornton said the decision to step away from Cricket ACT, and the Canberra community had been incredibly difficult.
“Leaving a community like this is certainly not easy, and it will always hold a very special place in my heart,” she said. “I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together over the past five years, but above everything else, it is the people who have had the greatest impact on me.
“Canberra’s truly connected ecosystem is one of its defining strengths. We are stronger together, and I believe we are on the cusp of something very special. I encourage everyone to continue working collaboratively to bring that vision to life.”
Thornton said she fundamentally believes all sports administrators have a responsibility to leave the game in a better place than when they arrived, a principle that guided her leadership throughout her tenure.
She also paid tribute to the Cricket ACT Board.
“Greg Boorer has had a profound impact on me, both personally and professionally, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have worked so closely with him,” Thornton said. “I also sincerely thank the entire Board, including former Chair John Miller, who took a gamble on me back in 2021.”
Cricket ACT thanks Olivia Thornton for her outstanding service and leadership, and for leaving a legacy that strongly positions the organisation for its next chapter.
Thornton will depart Cricket ACT on 8 May to take up an exciting new opportunity as Chief Executive Officer of Tennis NSW, continuing her leadership journey in Australian sport.
The Cricket ACT Board has commenced a process to appoint a new CEO.