Russell to leave CPL CEO role after 14-year journey
Key Points(5)
- After 14 years helping build the Caribbean Premier League from an ambitious start-up into one of global cricket’s leading T20 properties, Pete Russell is stepping away from his full-time role as the tournament’s chief executive officer.
- CPL confirmed Russell’s decision following the conclusion of another successful Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) season, which ended with the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons capturing their first championship.
- Russell, a member of the original founding team, will remain in the position until his successor is appointed and will continue working with the CPL Board and leadership team during the transition.
- From start-up to global T20 brand Russell’s departure comes at a significant point in the competition’s development.
- What began as an ambitious regional T20 venture has evolved into a major cricket and entertainment property, with CPL now operating as a fan-focused sporting product with an international profile.
After 14 years helping build the Caribbean Premier League from an ambitious start-up into one of global cricket’s leading T20 properties, Pete Russell is stepping away from his full-time role as the tournament’s chief executive officer.
CPL confirmed Russell’s decision following the conclusion of another successful Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) season, which ended with the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons capturing their first championship.
Russell, a member of the original founding team, will remain in the position until his successor is appointed and will continue working with the CPL Board and leadership team during the transition.
From start-up to global T20 brand
Russell’s departure comes at a significant point in the competition’s development.
What began as an ambitious regional T20 venture has evolved into a major cricket and entertainment property, with CPL now operating as a fan-focused sporting product with an international profile.
The organization has also broadened its business beyond the tournament itself.
Over the past year, the group has expanded to seven franchise teams while establishing Live and Louder Productions, launching the RUSH Live & Louder linear television channel, introducing a streaming application and adding an events business.
With those operations now established, the Board and management say they are focused on the next stage of expansion.
Board pays tribute to Russell
CPL Chairman Richard Bevan OBE credited Russell with providing leadership throughout the tournament’s transformation.
“On behalf of the Board and everyone across CPL, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Pete for his leadership, commitment, and contribution during his tenure as CEO.”
Denis O’Brien, CPL owner and founding investor, also praised Russell’s role in expanding the organization into new areas, particularly media and events.
“Pete has been a fantastic leader of CPL and overseen its expansion into new areas, including media and events, over recent years,” O’Brien said.
“While we are naturally sad to see him step away from his current role as CEO, we are delighted that the business is poised for future growth and Pete will remain involved as part of the wider group.”
Russell leaves with pride in Caribbean impact
For Russell, the significance of his time with CPL extends beyond the tournament’s commercial growth.
He believes the competition’s most important achievement has been reconnecting Caribbean fans with the game while giving young West Indian cricketers a prominent platform on which to develop their careers.
“I am incredibly proud of CPL’s growth and international standing,” Russell said.
“I believe its greatest achievement is in bringing fans back to cricket across the Caribbean and providing a platform for generations of young West Indian players to showcase their talent, express themselves on a global stage and pursue their cricketing dreams.”
Russell said the tournament had helped restore a sense of excitement around cricket throughout the region.
“CPL reignited a passion for the game, filled stadiums with energy and excitement, and created unforgettable memories for many people throughout the region and around the world.”
Transition begins as CPL looks ahead
Russell will remain involved until a new CEO is appointed, providing continuity while the organization identifies the person who will lead its next phase.
His decision comes with CPL having established a considerably broader platform than the one he helped launch 14 years ago.
The tournament now sits at the center of a wider business spanning franchises, production, television, streaming and live events.
Russell expressed gratitude to the people and organizations that helped drive that transformation.
“I want to thank the fans, the players, franchise owners, sponsors, broadcast partners, regional governments and the dedicated CPL team. It has been the privilege of a lifetime to be part of this journey.”
With Russell preparing to step aside, CPL now moves toward its next chapter with its leadership structure, commercial footprint and ambitions for further growth already firmly established.
