ECB Begins Search For New Chief Executive

The England and Wales Cricket Board has officially begun its search for a new chief executive following David Collier’s decision to retire from the post at the end of the current cricket season.

The governing body – who has appointed finance director and company secretary, Brian Havill, as acting CEO in the interim – engaged the search firm, Sports Recruitment International, to lead the search.

According to the ECB, the Board is looking for candidates who can be ‘ambitious, inspirational leaders as well as having the ability to be an exceptional communicator and ambassador for the ECB’.

‘The role requires a mix of statesmanship, energy and drive to build the appeal and brand of cricket and to promote the work of the ECB across a broad range of areas.’

‘The role of ECB chief executive is a high profile leadership position and candidates must demonstrate the experience, stature and leadership skills required for this appointment. A passion for the game of cricket is vital.’

The job description also suggests that while experience in cricketing and/or sports administration would be advantageous it is not essential as long as the applicant has a track record of building successful brands and businesses.

The key aspects of the new chief executive’s brief will be developing close working relationships with the counties and championing the recreational game as well as assisting the ECB chairman, Giles Clarke, in forging strong and effective relationships with the ICC and its member boards.

There is also an expressed desire for the successful candidate to build on the existing strong relationships between the ECB and the Government and its agencies – in particular the Department for Culture, Media and Sport as well as Sport England and UK Sport.

The closing date for applications is 31st August, 2014.