CA appoints new head of Big Bash

The Big Bash is set to soar to new heights with the appointment of Kim McConnie as the new head of the league, with a firm focus on growing the WBBL and continuing innovation in the shortest format of the game.

McConnie joined Cricket Australia from PepsiCo, where she was Head of Sports Marketing at the company's global headquarters in New York. One of her responsibilities was the Super Bowl Halftime show, the 2017 version of which was seen globally by some 150 million people.

With that sort of background and a remit to grow the WBBL and BBL, the future is looking bright for Australia's 20-over competitions.

Big Bash games on Christmas Day and a heavy focus on digital innovations that will take engagement for fans at home and at the match to a new level are high on the agenda.

"The BBL and WBBL are in an exciting growth period. I believe we have a huge opportunity to continue to attract new fans and participants to both leagues," McConnie said.

"I couldn't be more excited to take on the role. Women's sport is in such a great shape in Australia and the men's league is the fifth biggest sporting league in the world.

"Growing the Big Bash, and making cricket the best sport for fans, is one of the game's strategic priorities in addition to making cricket the leading sport for women and girls.

"We have the power to do all of this in the Big Bash, and to continue to innovate sport entertainment in Australia and be a market leader."

McConnie fills the role held by Anthony Everard since the first season of the BBL in the 2011-12 summer after he was promoted to be CA's Executive General Manager, Leagues and Events.

Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland said he was excited to have McConnie join the Big Bash team to continue to grow the success of both leagues.

"Kim's experience crosses between sport and entertainment and her strong belief that success is based on putting fans first aligns well with Australian cricket's vision to be Australia's favourite sport," Sutherland said.

"We know the experience she brings from PepsiCo will translate nicely, as they are a well-established company leading in youth and entertainment marketing.

"It's an exciting time for the sport, and we're looking forward to what Kim will bring to grow both the men's and women's leagues even further."

And McConnie believes she can help turn the WBBL into the biggest women's sporting league in the world.

"I think the WBBL over the next few years will continue to be the most exciting women's sport. Not just within Australia but globally. Hand on heart, I can tell you it will get there," McConnie told News Corp.

"I've worked in the WNBA, I've seen women's US soccer, I know that what we will do with WBBL will blow that out of the water.

"One of the things that really attracted me to this role is how innovative the Big Bash is.

"The BBL is a league that has been built for the fan first. Really putting the role and experience of the fan at the forefront and making sure we're building the experience to enhance that. The BBL is going to be at the forefront and it's going to be imminent."