Richard Gould has been named Chief Executive Officer of The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
Bringing ‘significant leadership experience’ to the group from major organisations across sport, Gould has served as CEO at first Somerset County Cricket Club and then Surrey County Cricket Club before taking up his current role in 2021.
The new hire will take up the post at the end of January, moving from his current role as CEO of Bristol City FC.
On his new role, Gould said: “I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to lead our game forward in England and Wales as part of a talented and committed team that encompasses the ECB, every cricket club in the land, all the counties, our partners, sponsors, fans and the army of players and volunteers that support the game in every corner of our country.
“Cricket is a national asset that can be played by all and helps strengthen and enhance communities across the nation. It can inspire the country and provide opportunities for all. But we have also seen the pain suffered by those who have experienced discrimination. We are determined to repair this damage and show that cricket can become the most inclusive and welcoming sport of all.
“I look forward to taking up the role in the new year, but for now will be an armchair fan supporting our men’s team in the T20 World Cup in Australia, whilst the women prepare for their T20 World Cup challenge in February.”
As CEO, Mr Gould will work to deliver the vision set out by ECB Chair Richard Thompson to make cricket the most inclusive sport in the country.
At Surrey, he was said to be ‘instrumental’ in the launch of the ACE Programme in 2020, which is now an independent charity designed to engage a new generation of children and young people from Black communities within the recreational game and talent pathway.
Martin Darlow, ECB Deputy Chair, added: “This has been a thorough and rigorous process in which as Deputy Chair I’ve been involved from start to finish, and the Nominations Committee was in universal agreement that Richard Gould was the outstanding candidate.
“He demonstrated a clear understanding of the importance of working with the whole game to overcome the challenges we face and to grow our game and broaden participation through delivery of our Inspiring Generations strategy. I’m looking forward to working with Richard when he joins.”
A former tank commander in the British Army, Gould was Commercial Director of Bristol City between June 2001 and June 2005 before joining Somerset County Cricket Club for five years as CEO and then moving to the Kia Oval.
