Former Fairfax Media editor-in-chief Andrew Holden has a new role as head of communications at Cricket Australia.

A journalist for more than 30 years, Holden was editor of The Press in Christchurch, New Zealand, at the time of the devastating 2011 earthquake - leading coverage for which the newspaper was awarded the 'best daily newspaper in New Zealand' title - and later editor-in-chief of The Age in Melbourne.

A highlight was coordinating coverage of the 2000 Sydney Olympics as national production editor for all Fairfax's coverage.

CA media, communications and marketing executive general manager Ben Amarfio said the organisation was fortunate to have secured such a senior and respected communicator: "We believe this expertise will further strengthen cricket's communications team and assist cricket in its vision of being Australia's favourite sport and a sport for all Australians."

A statement said "following a period of change at Fairfax", Holden was eagerly looking forward to working at Cricket Australia. "I'm absolutely delighted to be joining Cricket Australia. It is an outstanding organisation and I am looking forward to contributing to its success in making cricket Australia's number one national sport," said Andrew.

His new role starts on August 8.

Pictured: Andrew Holden speaking at WAN-Ifra's 2015 India Conference.