Western Australian becomes the fourth CA chairman in four years, taking over from interim chair Richard Freudenstein, following the resignations of David Peever and Earl Eddings

Cricket Australia has appointed Dr Lachlan Henderson as the new chairman of the board to take over permanently from interim chair Richard Freudenstein.

CA announced on Thursday that Henderson had been unanimously elected by the board following interviews with a short-list of candidates. All state and territory chairs expressed their support for the appointment. Henderson is the current chief executive of Epworth HealthCare having worked in the healthcare industry for 30 years, but he has an extensive background in cricket and cricket administration.

Henderson grew up in Western Australia and played state junior cricket for WA as well as first grade in Perth for University Cricket Club. He was chairman of the WACA for two years in 2015-16, having been on the WACA board since 2013, before moving to Melbourne to take up his post with Epworth. He has been an independent director at CA since 2018.

“It is a privilege and honour to be elected chair and serve our national sport,” Henderson said.

“I’m really excited by the opportunities ahead. The CA board is relatively new, with seven of the nine members having been on the board for less than three and a half years, and the imminent appointment of a new independent director will bring further fresh ideas and perspectives to the board.

“My love of cricket began as a kid growing up in Perth and the game has always been a big part of my life, as a player, through my involvement with WA Cricket, the board of Cricket Australia and now as the elected chair.

“I’m looking forward to working closely with our states and territory cricket chairs and associations, the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA), our players and our partners, on how we unite and work together to ensure cricket continues to thrive into the future as Australia’s favourite sport.

“As chair, my aim is to ensure the integrity and growth of the game in Australia with strong governance embedded at Cricket Australia and reflected in all levels of cricket, from elite teams to community clubs.

“Among my other main priorities will be a focus on a strong, sustainable financial future for the game and building on the growth in our participation rates, particularly among girls and women, and our multi-cultural communities.”

Freudenstein, who will step down as interim chair immediately but will remain on the CA board, praised Henderson’s appointment.

“Lachlan’s extensive cricket administrative experience and impressive business background, leadership qualities, financial experience and deep understanding of the game ensures that cricket has a new chair who will continue to build unity, trust and respect across all levels of our national sport,” Freudenstein said.

“He brings a combination of fresh ideas, a clear plan and broad experience together with continuity to the position, having served as a CA director for the past three years.

“The short-list of candidates for this role was outstanding but it was the unanimous opinion of the CA board that Lachlan was best suited to be our next chair.”

CA will begin a search to find a new independent director to join the board.