A new Kent chief executive has finally been named.
Michael Wilshaw replaces Simon Storey, who confirmed in March he would step down at the end of their 2025 summer.
Wilshaw joins after a distinguished executive career, leading complex organisational transformations across public and private sectors.
Most recently, he served as managing director of a Kent-based MedTech business, transforming a non-trading start-up into an award-winning and high-performance group with global reach, recognised with the King’s Award for Innovation and rated “Outstanding” by regulators.
With a long history in high-performance cultures, operational excellence and organisational transformation, Kent say he brings a proven track record of delivering commercial growth, embedding performance standards, and reshaping organisations in complex stakeholder environments – expertise that will play a pivotal role as Kent navigates a rapidly-evolving cricket landscape.
As a Trustee of the the Kent Cricket Foundation – and previously Yorkshire Cricket Foundation’s board – Wilshaw also brings a deep understanding of the club’s community impact.
His long-standing commitment to inclusivity, grassroots development and cricket’s power to change lives aligns directly with Kent Cricket’s mission to be a force for good across its communities, according to the county.
On Friday’s announcement, Wilshaw said: “It’s a genuine privilege to be a part of Kent Cricket’s heritage and global brand.
“In the new world of global multi-format cricket, we in Kent hold a special place with our tradition, stories and contribution to the sport.
“We face a unique set of challenges and opportunities, and we will work hard to maximise the use of our resources to the highest standards possible, both on and off the pitch.
“We have a significant amount of existing and in-development talent and I’m looking forward to working with our players, coaches, staff, partners and communities to realise our full potential, punching well above our weight where we can.”
Chairman Krish Shanmuganathan added: “Michael brings a rare blend of high-performance leadership, commercial acumen, strategic clarity and deep community values.
“His experience transforming organisations, setting exacting standards and delivering sustainable growth makes him the ideal person to guide Kent Cricket into a new era.
“Michael understands the weight of our heritage but also shares our ambition to innovate, grow and compete consistently at the highest level.”
Wilshaw’s appointment comes at a key moment for Kent Cricket as the county advances plans for estate development at Canterbury and Beckenham, invests further in their Talent Pathways, builds new commercial partnerships and strengthens their commitment to inclusivity and participation.
He becomes the new Kent CEO in the week Spitfires T20 Blast skipper Sam Billings signed a new two-year deal.
