The former deputy chief executive of New Zealand Cricket has been appointed as the organisation’s new boss and is due to start his new role in mid-January.

Ian Francis, current chief executive of Hockey New Zealand, announced in July that he will be departing with Crummy poised to replace him.

The organisation has been hit by a series of departures with four female staff leaving in recent months amid complaints surrounding the Black Sticks’ women’s programme.

Stuff understands the issues about the environment started in August 2019 with staff raising concerns with Francis and former high-performance director Paul MacKinnon.

Following a review in late 2018, a report by Stuff revealed that 70 per cent of players had "serious concerns" about a "negative environment."

Mark Hager left his role as women’s coach in January 2019 before Katie Glynn stepped down as assistant in July 2020.

Crummy will make the move into hockey after five years with New Zealand Cricket where he held the role of deputy chief executive.

He stepped down in June as part of cost-cutting measures to cope with the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Crummy has also undertaken senior positions at both the 2015 Cricket World Cup and 2011 Rugby World Cup and held strategy and financial roles in the commercial sector.

Hockey New Zealand chair Mike Bignell said Crummy would bring vast sports management and a track record of building high-performing teams.

"We are looking forward to leveraging Anthony’s expertise, not only in propelling hockey’s growth and development from the strong base built over the past decade, but also in continuing the sport’s transition to semi-professionalism," said Bignell.

"We were particularly impressed with the transformative work Anthony has undertaken during his time at New Zealand Cricket, including the women and cricket review, and helping lead the sport’s strategic plan focused on broadening cricket’s appeal and reach across all levels of the game."

Crummy said he was excited about the possibilities for hockey, both in the elite game and in building on its strong community base.

"The Black Sticks have a reputation for performing well on the world stage, and hockey is a sport where the men’s and women’s games are truly on an equal footing," said Crummy.

"I’m also passionate about the role sports like hockey play in New Zealand.

"They build stronger and more connected communities, develop healthy and independent young people, and inspire and unite the country."

The Black Sticks are due to compete in the annual FIH Hockey Pro League as well as the postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games next year.

At Rio 2016, New Zealand’s women’s team finished fourth while the men’s side fell at the quarter-final stage.