Pete Russell to Step Down as CPL Chief Executive
By Ahmed Raza | Last updated: September 29, 2026
Pete Russell, one of the founding team members of the Caribbean Premier League, is stepping back from his full-time role as Chief Executive Officer, the tournament announced on September 24, 2026.
Russell will remain in the post until a new CEO is appointed and will continue to support the Board and the leadership team during the handover. The announcement did not name a successor or give a date for an appointment.
The decision comes after a CPL season in which the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons won their first title. CPL said it has an experienced management team in place as it moves toward a new chief executive.
According to the announcement, the CPL Group has grown considerably over the past year. It has expanded to seven franchise teams and launched its own production company, Live and Louder Productions, along with a linear TV channel, Rush Live & Louder, a streaming app and an events business. The Board and management said they are looking forward to further growth of the business and the tournament.
Chairman Richard Bevan OBE thanked Russell on behalf of the Board and everyone at CPL for his leadership, commitment and contribution during his time as CEO, referring to his 14 years of involvement with the league.
Denis O’Brien, the owner and founding investor of CPL, described Russell as a fantastic leader who oversaw the league’s move into media and events. He said the group was sad to see Russell leave the CEO role but pleased that the business was set for future growth, adding that Russell would stay involved as part of the wider group.
Russell said he was proud of CPL’s growth and international standing. In his statement, he singled out the tournament’s role in bringing fans back to cricket across the Caribbean and giving young West Indian players a global platform as its greatest achievement. He thanked fans, players, franchise owners, sponsors, broadcast partners, regional governments and the CPL team, calling it the privilege of a lifetime to have been part of the journey.
The announcement does not say what role, if any, Russell will hold within the wider group after a new CEO takes over, nor does it outline how the search for a successor will be run.
The information in this report comes from CPL’s official announcement, dated September 24, 2026.
