Gould appointed as ECB chief executive officer

By Sports Desk October 23, 2022

Richard Gould has been appointed as the England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) new chief executive officer.

The ECB has undergone significant change throughout the last year, with Tom Harrison stepping down as chief executive after seven years and Ian Watmore leaving his role as chairman.

Richard Thompson, former Surrey County Cricket Club chair, stepped up to fill the void left by Watmore in September, while Clare Conner has operated as interim CEO.

Bristol City CEO Gould has been unanimously selected to join Thompson, with the former set to replace Conner on a permanent basis in January.

"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," Gould said.

"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 provides 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."

Gould, formerly of Somerset County Cricket Club, has previously worked with Thompson at Surrey, helping to turn the club into a financial powerhouse with a growing membership.

"When I joined the ECB, I said that this was a reset moment for our organisation and our sport. Recruiting a CEO who can lead the organisation forwards and deliver on the vision of becoming the UK's most inclusive sport was one of the first important steps in that," Thompson added. 

"With his outstanding leadership skills and experience of managing transformation, the nominations committee felt that Richard Gould was the outstanding candidate.

"I am looking forward to working with Richard to not only bring our game together, but to show how cricket can do so much more in bringing communities together.

"We will work in a spirit of collaboration and partnership with the whole cricket network to do this."

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