Richard Gould appointed ECB chief executive

Gould, who has previously taken charge of Somerset and Surrey, succeeds Tom Harrison, who stepped down as CEO in June 2022

Richard Gould has been appointed chief executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board.

He replaces Tom Harrison, who stepped down as CEO in June 2022 after more than seven years in the role.

Gould will take up the position at the end of January 2023, stepping down from his current role as CEO of Championship football club Bristol City.

The 52-year-old has previously served as CEO of Somerset and Surrey, working closely alongside Richard Thompson - the current ECB chair - at the latter.

Clare Connor, managing director of England women's cricket, will continue as interim CEO in the meantime.

^{Gould replaces Tom Harrison who stepped down in June 2022 [Gareth Copley/Getty Images]}

Commenting on joining the ECB, 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 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."

Thompson added: "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.

"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.

"I'd also like to express my sincere thanks to Clare Connor who has done an outstanding job as interim CEO at an incredibly challenging time for the organisation. I look forward to her continuing to play a leading role in growing our game as part of the ECB's leadership team when Richard joins."