Katie Bickerstaffe to join ECB board of directors

Bickerstaffe will replace Jane Stichbury, who stepped down from the board in May 2019 after nine years in the role

The ECB has announced that Katie Bickerstaffe is to join their board of directors as an "independent non-executive director".

Bickerstaffe is currently the executive chair of SSE Energy Services (part of SSE Plc) and a non-executive director on the board of Marks and Spencer Plc, but will now replace Jane Stichbury, who stepped down from the board in May 2019 after nine years in the role.

Stichbury played a leading role in developing policies around anti-corruption and integrity, while her successor seems keen on growing cricket, particularly the women's and girls' game.

Speaking about her appointment, Bickerstaffe said: "I'm really looking forward to joining the ECB board and entering the world of cricket at such an exciting time for the sport.

"I've watched this amazing summer of cricket unfold with tremendous admiration for all the players and excitement for the future of the game as we build on this season's success.

"Helping more people – of all backgrounds, ethnicities and genders – get involved in sport is something I'm extremely passionate about.

"I look forward to using my experience to help ECB drive its strategy to grow the game – from transforming and investing in the women's and girls' game through to getting more people from all backgrounds into cricket."

ECB chair Colin Graves added: "We are delighted to have Katie join our board. She brings a wealth of experience and has a strong reputation for running and transforming leading organisations.

"Her appointment comes at an opportune time for cricket as we near the end of a landmark summer and move into the delivery of our 2020-24 strategy to grow the game, Inspiring Generations.

"I have no doubt that she will be a huge asset to our board, complementing the wide range of skills and experience held by its members."

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