Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has appointed Julian Metherell as its next president, succeeding former England cricketer and selector Ed Smith when he takes office in October.
Metherell, currently chair of London Spirit and a leading figure behind the franchise’s Hundred equity negotiations, has been connected to MCC for four decades.
Metherell’s professional background is in global finance. He was a partner at Goldman Sachs from 1999 to 2011, serving as chief executive officer of the investment banking division in the United Kingdom during the latter part of his tenure. He is also the founder and chief financial officer of Genel Energy and has interests in the energy and shipping sectors.
In addition to his business career, Metherell has maintained strong ties to cricket administration. He was the non-executive chair of the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) from 2019 to 2024 and currently chairs the advisory board of Cambridge University’s Judge Business School.
“It is a deeply honoured to take on the role of MCC President, following in the footsteps of many of my cricketing idols,” Metherell said in a statement released by the club. “I have a long connection with MCC and many cherished memories at Lord’s. This is a really exciting time to be involved with MCC, especially as it starts a new era of ownership of a professional cricket team,” he added.
Metherell played a leading role in MCC’s negotiations during the 2025 Hundred equity sale, when a Silicon Valley-led consortium, led by Palo Alto Networks chief executive Nikesh Arora, acquired a 49 percent stake in London Spirit for approximately £145 million, making it the competition’s highest-valued franchise. Following the deal, Metherell was appointed chair of London Spirit after operational control of the franchise transferred from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to the new ownership group in October last year.
Smith, who nominated Metherell as his successor, praised his combination of business acumen and passion for cricket. “During such an exciting period for MCC, I wanted to choose a successor with huge expertise and experience, combined with a deep passion for the game and for the club,” Smith said. “Julian Metherell is a great and trusted friend to cricket and an exceptional candidate,” he added.
Metherell’s appointment takes place amid a transformative period for MCC, with London Spirit increasingly guiding the club’s strategic direction. Earlier this year, the franchise unveiled a rebranded identity incorporating MCC’s traditional egg-and-bacon colours into the team’s royal blue design.
During Metherell’s presidency, Lord’s is also scheduled to host Australia’s men’s and women’s teams for the 2027 Ashes series.