MCC today confirmed that CEO, Guy Lavender, will be leaving Lord's to take up a new position as CEO of Cheltenham Racecourse.
Under Guy's leadership across the last seven years, MCC has delivered a multitude of major matches, including the 2019 Men's World Cup Final, with clear improvements to the experiences of Members and customers. Outside of matches, Guy expertly led the Club through the pandemic, while at the same time completing the re-development of the Compton and Edrich Stands. Since then, approval has also been granted for the Tavern and Allen project.
Attendances have increased significantly during his tenure, with record breaking Ashes financial figures recorded in 2023, and a new bilateral attendance record (21,610) for a home England women's fixture was set when England beat Australia at Lord's.
Guy has built a capable and highly effective Executive team and has made sound progress in opening up Lord's and MCC to many new cricket fans. His passion for cricket's ability to change lives is perhaps best illustrated by MCC's overarching work for the 'Good of the Game', most notably through the MCC Community programmes and increased funding for 126 MCC Foundation Hubs that provide coaching to 4,500 state school students.
Reflecting on his time at Marylebone Cricket Club, Guy Lavender said: "It has been an immense honour and privilege to have been CEO of this great Club. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Executive team, the Club's committees and to the Members for their fantastic support during my tenure. I have every confidence that MCC will go from strength to strength. The committed, excellent and diligent staff across the Club do a superb job in support of the membership and make the MCC the wonderful Club it is.
"It has been an immense honour and privilege to have been CEO of this great Club."
"I am delighted to have been appointed by The Jockey Club to be CEO at Cheltenham Racecourse and am very much looking forward to ensuring Cheltenham remains at the pinnacle of jump racing in the years ahead."
President of MCC, Mark Nicholas, said: "I have so enjoyed working with Guy and the members of his Executive Management Board to bring some ambitious plans to life. The evolution of the Cowdrey Lecture and more recently World Cricket Connects were just two examples of the reasons that he and his staff should be greatly proud of the hard yards they have covered during the last year.
"Whilst I regret that we won't be able to continue this close working relationship, Guy leaves MCC in a strong position and with much to look forward to in 2025 and beyond."
Bruce Carnegie-Brown, Chair of MCC, said: "Guy has been an outstanding CEO of MCC. His commitment to operational excellence and his passion for the game have ensured that his time in office has brought great success for the Club. We wish him every success in his new role at Cheltenham Racecourse."
Guy will continue to fulfil his duties at MCC allowing for a smooth transition period until his departure. MCC has commenced the search for a new CEO.