Former Black Caps and Otago opener Craig Cumming has been appointed commercial manager for the Otago Cricket Association.
It is a newly created position and the 37-year-old, who retired from first-class cricket at the end of the 2011-12 season, is looking forward to the challenge.
He will be required to work alongside sponsors and partners, as well as generating new streams of revenue.
''It is a big role and there are no limits,'' Cumming said.
''My role here [Allied Press] has been about generating revenue and about creating partnerships and relationships with key clients. That's what I'll be doing at Otago Cricket, trying to generate revenue.''
Cumming has worked for Allied Press, publisher of the Otago Daily Times, for the past six years, most recently as advertising sales manager for The Star. He will start in his new role in August.
If he has as much success selling the brand as he did out in the middle, the province should be in good hands. The right-hander scored 6589 runs in 95 first-class games for Otago at an average of 43.34, including 21 centuries.
He also played 11 tests, 25 games for Canterbury and a further 13 games for various New Zealand and South Island teams.
''It [profile] certainly helps but I've also got the role based on what I've been able to do from a business side of things, as well.''
OCA chief executive Ross Dykes said Cumming had a lot to offer.
''Firstly, I think he offers credibility, in that he has played the game to a very high level and standard,'' Dykes said.
''He is a well-known sporting name in Otago and has the trust of people. He also has the capability of presenting himself and Otago cricket in a very good light and has displayed that through his playing days and with his media work.''
