KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – Robert Bryan has been identified as the ideal man to propel the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) forward in a harsh economic climate.
Bryan is the former tournament director for the Twenty20 World Cup staged in the Caribbean this year, and has been appointed as the new chief executive officer of the JCA. He signed a two-year agreement with the JCA, and his appointment takes effect from August 4.
“We’re pleased to have Robert on board to charge the strategic programmes of the Jamaica Cricket Association,” said JCA president Paul Campbell.
“Recently, Robert was tournament director of the T20 World Cup, and the views from Australia, England, and right across the World were glowing.”
Campbell added: “It speaks volumes to the capacity, ability and experience of our new CEO.”
Bryan was also CEO of World Cup Jamaica, the local organising committee for the 2007 World Cup (50 overs-a-side), also staged in the Caribbean.
He replaces Sri Lanka-born Diyal Fernando in the post, which has been vacant over the last eight months.
Fernando was relieved of his duties tenure just four months after he was appointed because he had failed to meet expectations.
“No disrespect to Fernando because he was very professional,” said Campbell. “He was a very, very good financial manager.
“But from a cricket and business standpoint, he was handicapped. He was without the knowledge of the sport, and this created an issue for him.”
Campbell said: “But Robert comes to us with extensive knowledge, and understanding of the business of sport.”
“We now look to Robert to improve standards at the JCA, and by extension, at the club, parish, and West Indies level. It is our hope that from here on, we’ll see better efficiency and greater management of the sport.”
Bryan believes the experience he has gained over the past three years has put him in a position to help increase the interest in the game in the island.
“I back myself (in doing what is expected of me), and my recent experience gave me a greater understanding of the infrastructure of sports,” he said.
“It has certainly given me a better understanding of the structure of the modern game, and the commercial elements (involved).”
He said: “The vast majority (of sponsors), in spending a dollar, will want to understand what is their return on the dollar. It is very important that quality cricket and how people perceive it becomes something that carries a commercial value.”