Kevin Roberts to be named as CEO of Cricket Australia

Kevin Roberts, the man who led Cricket Australia's negotiations in a bitter pay dispute with players, will succeed James Sutherland as the organisation's CEO.

A former first-class batsman for New South Wales, the 46-year-old Roberts has been Sutherland's deputy for a number of years since joining the CA board as an independent director in 2012.

"Given the complexity of the role and the increasing challenges facing our sport, the Board concluded that an internal candidate with first-hand experience driving strategic transformation and engagement at CA would be best placed to help ensure continued success for Australian cricket," chairman David Peever said in a statement on Wednesday.

"Kevin's vast corporate leadership experience within Australia and overseas, his leadership of the development and implementation of our strategy, his demonstrated ability to lead change ... and his deep pedigree in cricket both on and off the field, outline why Kevin was identified as the best candidate from a very strong list."