Sussex appoint Pete Fitzboydon as new chief executive

GEORGE DOBELL: He replaces Rob Andrew, who spent seven years at Sussex before moving to the ECB as managing director of the professional game

Sussex have appointed Pete Fitzboydon as their new chief executive.

Fitzboydon, whose previous role in cricket came in a six-month stint as interim CEO of Cricket Scotland, has also been interim Chief Executive of both Badminton England and Cycling UK.

His background also includes consultancy roles with the RFU, where his role was to improve governance standards and almost three years as CEO of London Sport.

He will take over the role from March 11.

^{Fitzboydon replaces Rob Andrew [Bryn Lennon/Getty Images]}

He replaces Rob Andrew at Sussex. Andrew had seven years at the club but has moved to the ECB as managing director of the professional game.

Fitzboydon joins at an intriguing time for the club and the wider game. Sussex have struggled to retain the services of some of their best players in recent years - the departure of 22-year-old Ali Orr in recent times was especially painful - and may be facing a fight for relevance with the possibility an expansion of The Hundred could exclude them.

Fitzboydon said: "I have so many fond memories of watching matches at the 1st Central County Ground in the late 2000s when I lived locally, and I am looking forward to playing a part as the club seeks to return to those trophy-laden days.

"Sussex Cricket is an exceptional organisation with a rich heritage. There are so many exciting opportunities ahead for Sussex Cricket, not least developing the women’s game and helping the sport to widen its appeal to all communities.

"I look forward to adding my experience to the leadership team to help Sussex Cricket to fulfil its potential in all areas, from the sport's grassroots right up to the top echelons of the game."

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