Julian Metherell, the London Spirit chair who led MCC’s negotiations in last year’s Hundred equity sale, has been named as the club’s next president, and will take over from the incumbent, Ed Smith, in October.

Metherell, an MCC member for 40 years, has spent his career in finance, including as a partner at Goldman Sachs from 1999 to 2011, in which time he served as Chief Executive Officer of the UK investment banking division between 2006 and 2011.

He is also the founder and Chief Financial Officer of Genel Energy, a London listed energy company, and has a portfolio of interests primarily in the energy and shipping sectors. In addition, he chairs the Advisory Board of the Judge Business School at Cambridge University, and was the Non-Executive Chair of the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) from 2019 to 2024.

“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 oversaw MCC’s negotiations in the 2025 Hundred equity sale, in which a Silicon Valley consortium, led by Palo Alto Networks CEO Nikesh Arora, bid approximately £145 million for a 49% stake in London Spirit, making the franchise the richest in the competition.

He was subsequently named as chair when the franchise was transferred from the ECB to its new owners on October 1, 2025.

Metherell’s nomination as president was made by his predecessor, Smith, and reflects the growing influence of London Spirit on MCC’s decision-making. Earlier this year, the club unveiled the franchise’s rebranded logo and team kit, with MCC’s egg-and-bacon livery included in the familiar royal blue colour scheme.

“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.”

During Metherell’s tenure, Lord’s will host Australia’s men’s and women’s teams in the 2027 Ashes series.