Cricket: Baptism of fire for new NZ Cricket chief executive Scott Weenink

In the four months since Scott Weenink became NZ Cricket chief executive, he's already overseen several bilateral series at home and abroad, not to mention a men's one-day World Cup in India.

Weenink, 50, seems well used to a busy life - at work and at home. 

There's a lot going on in his household and it's not for the faint-hearted, but this father of four girls wouldn't have it any other way. 

Scott Weenink is appointed NZ Cricket chief executive.
Scott Weenink is appointed NZ Cricket chief executive. Photo credit: Photosport

Weenink insists the oestrogen overload has put him in good stead for his new role. 

"Dealing with a bit of chaos, keeping calm, managing relationships," he told Newshub.

At the core, a strong set of values and, like family, New Zealand cricket depends on a solid base, so for Weenink, the community game is his priority. 

"If we can ensure that's thriving, then we are going to have the Blackcaps and White Ferns of the future that keep maintaining high performance, which then drives into the commercial side of things," he said.

Dad Gerald and mum Julie have no doubt their son is the right man for the job.

"Huge love for the game, which he's had for most of his life," reflected Gerald Weenink.

That competitive spirit began in the backyard with two older brothers. 

"They were such cheats," he remembered. "That's why I ended up bowling offspin, because I always had to bowl and they batted." 

It paid off, with Weenick playing first class cricket for Wellington, but his career was tarnished by one forgettable moment, when he was called on as a 19-year-old substitute fielder for the Blackcaps in 1993 against Pakistan and spilled a difficult catch. 

"At least social media wasn't around then, because I got absolutely hammered on talkback radio the next day," he recalled.

Fortunately, he was also handy with the oval ball. Weenink was awarded a rugby scholarship to Oxford, where he played for Oxford University blues in both cricket and rugby.

"He's always tried to do things that we thought he would never achieve and he does, doesn't he?" said Julie Weenink.

He's cooked up and even more impressive corporate career, beginning as a mergers and acquisitions lawyer, before moving into funds management, private equity and telecoms infrastructure. His 17 years of global experience are a true asset for cricket.

Feeding time at the Weeninks.
Feeding time at the Weeninks. Photo credit: Newshub

"We're essentially an export business," said Weenink. "Our key markets are in Asia and potentially the Middle East, so having experience in those areas will be critical moving forward."

Throw in a five-year stint on the board of the Players Association and you'd be hard pressed to find a more well rounded, more qualified CEO, but it's not just the cricket fraternity vying for his attention. Supporting his girls is a priority. 

"There's a lot of people wanting a lot of things, so it's about finding the time to ensure I'm giving everyone the chance to be heard," he said. 

Being heard at his dining table might just be his biggest challenge yet.