Gavin Larsen set to step down as Warwickshire performance director as he cites personal reasons for the decision.
Gavin Larsen is to step down as Warwickshire’s performance director after 18 months in the role, the club have announced.
In early 2023, Larsen relocated from New Zealand to the UK to take on a new position following the resignation of Paul Farbrace as sporting director. Larsen had been a selector for New Zealand for eight years.
According to Stuart Cain, the chief executive, Warwickshire is planning to evaluate its leadership structure, and the former Black Caps seamer will stay in the position until the new year to assist with the transition. However, he is scheduled to return home for personal reasons.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure being part of the Bears family, and I’ve enjoyed every second of it,” Larsen said. “My tenure has been shorter than planned. But sometimes in life the odd curve ball can be thrown your way. That’s the case here.
“It’s been a great ride and I certainly feel a big part of the Edgbaston family. People and relationships are always key in any walk of life. And here at Edgbaston I can honestly say it’s as positive an environment as I’ve been involved in.
“I wish everyone at Edgbaston all the very best, and will always follow the club’s progress with enormous interest.”
Cain said: “Gavin has a great energy and a depth of cricketing knowledge that is second to none. He has worked tirelessly to improve the high-performance environment at Warwickshire and he will be welcome back at Edgbaston any time. As they say, once a bear, always a bear.
“Whilst not linked, we will now combine the findings of the high-performance review with the chance to freshen up our high-performance leadership team. We will make sure we give our men’s and women’s squads every chance of succeeding on the field.”
One of his final acts as performance director was to help secure the signing of fellow New Zealander Tom Latham for the 2025 summer.