JULIAN METHERELL, chairman of The Hundred franchise London Spirit, will assume the role of MCC president for a three-year term from October, taking over from former England batter Ed Smith.
Metherell, a 40-year MCC member, has spent his career in finance, including as a partner at Goldman Sachs from 1999 to 2011, where he served as CEO of the UK investment banking division between 2006 and 2011. He is also the founder and CFO of Genel Energy, a London-listed energy company, with broader interests in the energy and shipping sectors. Beyond finance, he chairs the Advisory Board of the Judge Business School at Cambridge University and previously served as Non-Executive Chair of the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) from 2019 to 2024.
Metherell commented, “I am deeply honoured to take on the role of MCC President, following in the footsteps of many of my cricketing idols. I have a long connection with MCC, and I have 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, and I am looking forward to driving forward both the Club and London Spirit.”
Metherell oversaw MCC’s negotiations in the 2025 Hundred equity sale, in which a Silicon Valley consortium led by Palo Alto Networks CEO Nikesh Arora acquired a 49% stake in London Spirit for approximately £145 million, making it the most valuable franchise in the competition.
Metherell’s nomination was made by his predecessor Smith, reflecting London Spirit’s growing influence within MCC’s decision-making. Earlier this year, the club unveiled a rebranded logo and kit for the franchise, incorporating MCC’s traditional egg-and-bacon colours into the familiar royal blue scheme.
“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. Julian Metherell is a great and trusted friend to cricket and an exceptional candidate. It is with enormous pleasure that I nominate him as the President of MCC from 1 October 2026.” Ed Smith said.
During Metherell’s tenure, Lord’s will host both the men’s and women’s Australia sides for the 2027 Ashes series.
