ECB Names New Comms Chief

The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has appointed William Hill and Engine alumnus Kate Miller as its new Director of Communications.

Miller will join the ECB in July, in the midst of a busy summer, with the men’s and women’s national team Ashes series against Australia following the conclusion of the first ICC Cricket World Cup in the country for 20 years.

She will also be closely involved in the launch of what has been dubbed ‘The Hundred’, a new 100-ball cricket league that will be launched by the ECB next year.

Miller brings a track record in developing communication strategies, having worked in-house at William Hill prior to becoming a Partner at Engine, where she has advised clients such as the Football Association (FA) in England, as well as Sport England, BAE Systems and Vodafone UK.

She helped to spearhead work for the FA with The Emirates FA Cup and People’s Cup in addition to Sport England’s ‘This Girl Can’ campaign.

Commenting on her appointment, Miller said: “It’s a huge honour to be joining the ECB at such a significant time for cricket in England and Wales. A momentous summer awaits us, followed by pioneering change with next year’s launch of The Hundred.”

ECB Chief Executive Tom Harrison added: “This is a very significant appointment and a key role for the ECB and the whole game. Kate brings strong and relevant experience in what is a very broad and demanding role. Her leadership, communication skills and campaigning experience from across the public sector and sport ensure that she is well placed to excel in this role.

“Kate joins at an exciting time for cricket in England and Wales, as we begin delivery of Inspiring Generations, the game-wide strategy for 2020-24 and begin wide-reaching new partnerships with Sky and BBC.”

Miller will succeed current Director of Communications Chris Haynes, who is stepping down this month after announcing his departure earlier this year. Mark Ward, who has held senior communications roles at sports organisations such as UEFA and Tottenham Hotspur, will step into the role on an interim basis before Miller’s arrival.

In February, the ECB announced a number of appointments to its communications team, including Claire Jackson, Jo Pockett, Kirsty Munro, Stuart Clarke and James Motley.