The International Cricket Council (ICC) has appointed Malcolm Speed, the Australian Cricket Board (ACB) director, as its new chief executive.
Speed will take over the job in July on an initial three-year contract, succeeding fellow Australian David Richards, who has held the post since its creation in 1993.
ICC president Malcolm Gray said in a statement: "As chief executive of Australian cricket for the past four years Malcolm has most ably demonstrated the qualities required."
"We are delighted he has accepted our invitation at a time when the organisation has committed itself to a period of rapid growth and expansion."
Speed is a qualified barrister who has also worked extensively in Australian basketball. "This will be a stimulating task for me and my new colleagues and one that I am looking forward to with great anticipation," he said.