Sir Viv Richards Named Ambassador for King Charles III’s Sustainable Markets Initiative

Sir Vivian Richards has been appointed an Ambassador for the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI), the organisation founded by His Majesty King Charles III to help accelerate the transition to a sustainable future.

Announced on November 2, the appointment recognises the Antiguan cricketing icon’s commitment to promoting sustainability through sport and brings one of the Caribbean’s most influential sporting voices into the initiative’s global advocacy efforts.

Sir Viv said the role offers an opportunity to build on the unifying power of sport and its abili

ty to improve lives.

“Throughout my life, I have seen the extraordinary power of sport to bring people together, inspire ambition and create opportunities,” he said.

“I have been privileged to represent communities across the Caribbean and Commonwealth, and I know the positive impact that collective action can have – both on and off the field.”

The former West Indies captain said he was honoured to accept the appointment and looked forward to working with leaders in sport and business to create opportunities for communities to thrive.

His appointment coincides with Antigua and Barbuda’s hosting of CHOGM 2026. Sir Viv, who also serves as a CHOGM envoy, is scheduled to captain a team in the “One Commonwealth, One Team” Exhibition Cricket Match.

SMI Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Jordan-Saifi welcomed his appointment, saying his influence extends well beyond his achievements on the cricket field.

“Few figures command such respect across sport and communities worldwide, and his legacy extends far beyond cricket – embodying leadership, unity and demonstrating the power of sport to inspire positive change,” she said.

Jordan-Saifi said his voice would help advance sustainability across sport in the Commonwealth and beyond.

Founded in 2020 by King Charles III when he was Prince of Wales, the SMI brings together business leaders and other stakeholders to advance sustainable practices. Its Ambassador Programme recruits prominent figures to educate, inspire and encourage action in support of that mission.

Through its Sport Pathfinder programme, the organisation connects leaders across the sporting industry, including sponsors, venue operators, broadcasters and governing bodies, to tackle shared sustainability challenges.

For Sir Viv, the appointment adds another international leadership role to a career that helped define West Indies cricket.

He scored 8,540 runs, including 24 centuries, in 121 Test matches and led the West Indies to 27 victories during his 50 Tests as captain. His achievements include a then-record 56-ball Test century against England in Antigua in 1986.

He was knighted by the Antiguan government in 1999.