A new era will begin at Bay of Plenty Cricket, after the resignation of current CEO Paul Read.

Paul leaves Bay of Plenty Cricket after four years at the helm, during which Bay of Plenty Cricket re-inked its place, as the leading NZ Cricket Minor Association in the country.

Paul Read is moving on. Photo: file

The Bay of Plenty Cricket age-group programme, which has produced four home grown Black Caps in Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, Daniel Flynn and Graeme Aldridge, has continued to flourish during the last four years.

On-field success in the last four seasons includes winning and defending the Hawke Cup in 2013 and 2014.

In March 2016, Bay of Plenty won back the Hawke Cup after defeating Hawke's Bay, to add to the Northern Districts prizes of the Fergus Hickey Rosebowl and the Brian Dunning Trophy annexed in the current season.

Bay of Plenty Cricket continues to play with success in the ND age-group competitions, with the Coastland Senior Secondary side and the Bay of Plenty Secondary Schoolgirls, both winning two championship titles apiece in the last four years.

Paul Read said 'After four years as CEO of Bay of Plenty Cricket I am leaving at the end of the season to pursue some new opportunities”.

'I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in the role and have been fortunate to work with a fantastic team of staff and board”.

'It has been a privilege to lead the association and be part of such a passionate group of people. I would like to thank the board and staff for their support over my tenure and leave knowing the future of cricket in the Bay of Plenty will be in good hands and will continue to thrive”

Bay of Plenty Cricket chairman Richard Dey acknowledges Paul's contribution and cites the opportunities ahead for the Association.

'Paul has worked on lifting the profile of cricket and has developed initiatives in an attempt to secure new income streams”, says Richard.

'Bay Cricket is in great shape on and off the field at the moment and we will look for a high calibre CEO who can raise the bar higher. Our position as a leading Association, our fantastic facilities, and the growing profile of cricket will make this a highly sought after role.”