Batts becomes 'Masterplan Project Director' at Lord's

Date released: 21 September 2007

David Batts, currently MCC's Deputy Chief Executive, will become MCC's Masterplan Project Director from Monday 1st October.

The announcement was made by MCC's Secretary & Chief Executive, Keith Bradshaw, during a wide-ranging presentation on Lord's to the Annual General Meeting of the St John's Wood Society on Thursday 20th September.

The Pavillion covered in scaffolding during the refubishment work David has served, as MCC's Deputy Chief Executive since 2000. In this role, David has been responsible for a large number of ground improvement initiatives including the acclaimed Pavilion refurbishment project (in 2004-05) which cost £8 million.

Other initiatives implemented by David have included: the renewal of the Mound Stand's distinctive 'tented' roof; the refurbishment of the Lord's Tavern Bar & Brasserie; and major improvements (including enhanced disability access) to the Thomas Lord Suite.

Each of these projects has been delivered on-time and on-budget.

David has also earned considerable acclaim for bringing MCC's large-scale catering and conferencing operation in-house - and improving both standards and profitability in the process.

Indeed, he has recently returned from a major International Cricket Council meeting in South Africa where, at the ICC's request, he outlined the advantages of spectator catering being provided on an in-house, rather than contracted-out, basis.

Catering at Lord's is now in-house These major customer service and ground improvement projects have benefited enormously from the skills and experience that David gained before being head-hunted by MCC.

Prior to arriving at Lord's, he had been Managing Director of Radisson Edwardian Hotels as well as Chairman of the London Tourist Board (now Visit London).

Commenting on David's new role, Keith Bradshaw said: "Since arriving at Lord's in 2000, David has established a remarkable track record and, in the process, earned an outstanding reputation.

"As we start to consider options for the long-term future of Lord's, to further improve its facilities and increase its capacity, it's essential that we have a single person to help drive us forward. David is clearly the right person for this crucial role."

Continuous investment, constant improvement

David Batts added: "The twin attractions of retirement and extra time on the golf course will have to wait a while longer! This is a fabulous opportunity to help set Lord's on the right track for the long-term future.

"I can't wait to start in my new role, which will be both a big challenge and a great privilege.

"Lord's has a long and illustrious history. It's world-renowned as 'The Home of Cricket'. But it's essential that we don't rest on our laurels or risk becoming complacent.

"On the contrary, we need to step up our long-standing policy of continuous investment and constant improvement.

"We need to ensure that Lord's remains not merely world-famous but truly world-class; I look forward to consulting with all our stakeholders and then helping to develop the best ways of bringing this about."

In addition to serving as the Club's Deputy Chief Executive, David has been the Chairman of the MCC-convened "Local to Lord's" stakeholders' group since its creation in 2003.

Other recent initiatives from MCC have included the staging of its first-ever floodlit match, on an experimental basis, earlier this month.

MCC also recently published of a major study, by London Economics, which showed how the local economy currently benefits - and could benefit in the future - from major matches being staged at Lord's.