London Spirit chair and former Goldman Sachs executive to lead MCC during a new era for Lord’s and The Hundred

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Julian Metherell, chair of London Spirit and the key figure behind MCC’s negotiations during the Hundred equity sale, has been appointed as the next president of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). He will officially succeed Ed Smith when his tenure begins in October 2026.

A member of MCC for more than 40 years, Metherell brings extensive experience from the worlds of finance, cricket administration and business leadership. He spent over a decade at Goldman Sachs, serving as a partner from 1999 to 2011 and leading the UK investment banking division as Chief Executive Officer between 2006 and 2011.

Beyond banking, Metherell is the founder and Chief Financial Officer of Genel Energy, a London-listed energy company. He also holds interests across the energy and shipping sectors and currently chairs the Advisory Board of the Judge Business School at Cambridge University. From 2019 to 2024, he served as Non-Executive Chair of the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA).

Speaking after the announcement, Metherell expressed pride at taking up one of cricket’s most prestigious roles.

“I am deeply honoured to take on the role of MCC President, following in the footsteps of many of my cricketing idols,” Metherell said. “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 played a central role in the 2025 Hundred equity sale, overseeing MCC’s negotiations as a Silicon Valley-based consortium led by Palo Alto Networks CEO Nikesh Arora secured a 49 percent stake in London Spirit for approximately £145 million. The deal made London Spirit the most valuable franchise in The Hundred competition.

Following the ownership transition from the ECB to the new investors on October 1, 2025, Metherell was appointed chair of London Spirit. Since then, the franchise has continued strengthening its identity, with MCC earlier unveiling a refreshed logo and kit design that blends the club’s iconic egg-and-bacon colours with London Spirit’s royal blue branding.

Outgoing MCC president Ed Smith praised Metherell’s appointment and highlighted his experience and commitment to cricket.

“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,” Smith said.

“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.”

Metherell’s presidency comes at a significant time for MCC and Lord’s, with the historic venue set to host both Australia’s men’s and women’s teams during the 2027 Ashes series.