June’s Kia Oval Business Club, powered by Network My Club, brought a sold-out room of directors and business owners to the John Major Room at the Kia Oval for the annual Caribbean-themed match day networking lunch.
The dress code was colourful, the weather played its part, and Surrey v Hampshire provided the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of networking, lunch, and a Q&A that provided insight into the world famous ground.
👇 Here are the highlights, with event photos here 📸.
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Guests arrived into the John Major Room at the Kia Oval and made use of the private balcony throughout the afternoon, which looks directly over the cricket.
A private bar and a delicious lunch fuelled a full and relaxed afternoon of networking, with one of the world’s famous cricket grounds, and live county cricket playing out below, the conversations flowed naturally.
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Q&A with Adrian Wells, The Kia Oval
After lunch, guests got chance to hear a Q&A with Adrian Wells, Commercial and Marketing Director at the Kia Oval.
Adrian’s shared his career path to the Oval – from brand roles at Procter & Gamble across Europe, to UEFA, to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, to Harlequins, and ultimately to Surrey.
The conversation covered the full scope of what the Kia Oval is as a commercial operation. The venue runs 364 days a year, across England Test Matches, The Hundred, the Vitality Blast, Surrey men’s and women’s fixtures, and a substantial conference and events programme.
One fact Adrian shared was particularly staggering; which was how an England Test Match accounts for approximately a third of the Kia Oval’s total annual revenue.
An amount demonstrating the importance that Test Match cricket carries commercially for grounds like the Oval.
Adrian also spoke about the development of The Hundred and the Mumbai Indians London franchise, which now sits within Surrey’s commercial remit. Describing it as an exciting new asset still being shaped.
The growth of the women’s game was another theme. Surrey Women have built real momentum in recent years, underpinned by sustained investment into the sport, improved coaching infrastructure, and a quality of player coming through from the junior ranks that reflects the wider transformation of women’s cricket.
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Venue Partner: The Kia Oval
Also present throughout the afternoon was Antony Deacon, Business Development Manager at the Kia Oval, who engaged with attendees and was available for anyone interested in exploring event hosting opportunities at the ground.
The Kia Oval hosts a full year-round events programme alongside its cricket calendar, with a range of event spaces available for conferences, dinners, and corporate hospitality.
Find out more about upcoming opportunities at The Kia Oval here.
Connect with Antony on LinkedIn here.
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What’s Next for the Kia Oval Business Club
The next Kia Oval Business Club match day networking lunch takes place on Tuesday 11 August, when Surrey take on Nottinghamshire at the Kia Oval.
With bookings now open:
📅 Date: Tuesday 11 August
🎟️ Tickets: Book Here
With details shared of other Network My Club events, including the Summer Networking Social at Fulham Pier on Friday 3 July, before then.
All upcoming events in London, the South, and beyond, are here.
Event Photos
A big thank you to Stephen Lawrence of Snap It Now for capturing the day so brilliantly.
📸 Gallery
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