CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 7 2024 20 mmensely proud to be a sporting family dedicated to uplifting those it serves Lions Cricket goes above and beyond whether it be coaching; mentorship programmes; partnerships; talent identification or staff empowerment. As administrator of all amateur and professional cricket throughout the region, the Union brings together the greatest minds and most passionate people to develop new and exciting approaches to not only the sport, but also the business thereof. Whether it’s schools, universities or club cricket for women, Blind, Deaf, development, mens, juniors, seniors or veterans; or programmes for umpires, scorers, coaches, administrators or employee’s; Lions Cricket wholeheartedly delivers every ball bowled to the best of its ability. ‘Beating your Best’ has become the norm for those who don the Lions Cricket badge on field and off it, capturing the attention, the trophies, the ticket sales, the loyalty all previously unprecedented. Bringing this very vision to life is none other than Jono Leaf-Wright – a man who has spent his years fully immersed in all that cricket has to offer. The MVP, began his life in Durban before moving to Johannesburg with his mom and dad, Joyce and Tim just before he completed Matric. He now shares his home with his wife Claire and two gorgeous kids Julian and Casey. Having passed his Cricket South Africa Level Three Coaching Qualification in 2009, he has dedicated his time to uplifting aspiring young cricket players. Partnered with the fact that he was a Cricket South Africa National U19 Talent Scout for 11 years, as well as the Spreading the Pride of Cricket in South Africa Based at the iconic and world-leading DP World Wanderers Stadium, in Johannesburg, South Africa is the Central Gauteng Lions (Lions Cricket) union which is more than just a cricket union to so many. Recognised as ‘the custodian of all cricket activities in the greater Sedibeng, West Rand, Vaal, and Johannesburg area’, the people of this Pride have spent their long days and late nights spreading their love of the game far beyond the boardrooms and boundary ropes. At the heart of it all is awardwinning CEO Jono Leaf-Wright, whose history with the sport has earned him CEO Monthly’s title of Most Influential CEO 2024 - South Africa (Spectator Sports). Below, we delve into more detail. Lions U19 Coach for the same amount of time, Jono has defined himself as a standout leader, deserving of respect. Over and above serving his country’s cricketing eco-system, Jono previously assisted the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier Leagues and Champions Leagues. Following tremendous success, Jono was appointed manager of Jozi Stars in the very first Mzansi Super League in 2018 which the Jozi Stars won. Jono’s extensive experience has allowed him to build the powerful Pride that is Lions Cricket. His innovative and entrepreneurial edge has equipped this CEO with the tools needed to connect with his people and build not only great players on the field, but even better people off it. Driven by a mission to move cricket forward in the province and indeed the Country, the people at Lions Cricket work together as a team, reflecting their passion, pride, patriotism and professionalism in all that they do. Proud to boast an unrivalled dedication for the game, the Union continues to encourage all from far and wide to pick up a bat or bowl a ball – being active is key to good health. From the unearthing of talent, to providing the platform for people with disabilities to give the game a go, the Lions Pride is propelled forward by an energetic and exciting leader who loves what he does and the community in which he serves. Here at CEO Monthly, it’s always refreshing to discover a CEO who does more than just lead their team forward. Jono Leaf-Wright is one such CEO – a man who, through his immense love for an age-old sport, has reinvented how the people of Gauteng view cricket, community and their country. In doing so, he’s earned himself a position among some of cricket’s greatest CEOs, and it’s for this reason that we’re pleased to present him with the title of Most Influential CEO 2024 - South Africa (Spectator Sports). I Contact: Lions Cricket Email: [email protected] Telephone: +27 11 340 1500 Website: www.lionscricket.co.za
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