There will be no drastic changes, said new chief executive officer of Cricket West Indies (CWI), Chris Dehring, as he embarks on elevating West Indies cricket back to its glory days.

“One thing I’ve learned through many years of watching a relay is that you need smooth baton changes,” he told Our Today.

“There are a team of people including a president, executive and staff who are already running so it’s important not to trip anyone as I get to understand more in-depth the state of play within both CWI and the global cricket industry,” he added.

Dehring who was managing director and CEO of the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean, has replaced Englishman Johnny Grave, who was in the role since 2017 and resigned in October 2024.

Dehring—who will officially take up his role on February 1, 2025, and will be based at CWI headquarters at Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua—said he was pleasantly impressed by the responses to his appointment from all stakeholders in the Caribbean.

“I am very proud to be back in West Indies cricket and excited by the response and enthusiasm by the CWI President and Board, political leaders, former West Indies players and Caribbean supporters, many of whom have reached out personally to congratulate me and to wish me well,” he revealed. “It only reconfirms the importance of this important institution that has defined and inspired so many of us through the exploits and love of our team.”

CWI president Kishore Shallow said in a statement that Dehring had been selected from a “competitive pool of over 50 applicants representing Europe, Australia, Afghanistan, India, and the Caribbean” and represents the best of the best.

“I will certainly do everything in my power to foster the teamwork needed from all stakeholders to restore West Indies cricket to its rightful place,” Dehring told Our Today.

Dehring is well known for his exploits in finance, sports management, media and telecommunications.

He came to prominence as the co-founder of the Jamaican investment bank Dehring, Bunting & Golding and is also the founder of SportsMax, the Caribbean sports broadcaster, as well. He has also served as a senior executive at Cable & Wireless.