Clare Connor appointed ECB deputy chief executive

Connor also takes on a new position of England women's managing director, similar to that occupied by Rob Key, with immediate effect. Leading the response to the ICEC report will be her initial focus

Clare Connor has been installed as deputy chief executive at the ECB alongside a new role of England women's managing director.

She steps into the new positions with immediate effect following the February appointment of Richard Gould as CEO.

The initial focus for Connor, who played more than 100 times for England, will be leading the game-wide response to the Independent Commission for Equity report which examines the experiences of "discrimination or prejudice based on race, gender and class in cricket".

"It was an enormous honour to have served as interim CEO of ECB, and I'm delighted that in this new role, I can continue to make a difference across the game as we strive to become a more inclusive sport," said Connor, who served as interim CEO following Tom Harrison's exit.

"Cricket's response to the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket's report will be a vital moment for our game and we must use it to change for the better."

Connor played 16 Tests, 93 ODIs and two T20Is for England and spent five years as captain (Laurence Griffiths/ALLSPORT

The responsibility of leading England women is similar to the role performed by Rob Key for the men, who leads the strategy and the pathways behind the team.

On the appointment, Gould added: "This is a huge year for cricket, with the men's and women's Ashes to look forward to, the women's game developing so quickly and domestic cricket on a fast growth strategy, while we also have the challenges of the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket report to come.

"I am delighted therefore that Clare has accepted the role of deputy CEO and MD England women. She did an excellent job as Interim CEO, and prior to this as MD women's cricket. The new role will allow her to continue to lead and influence across the game, allowing us all to benefit from her experience and knowledge."

The restructure sees Beth Barrett-Wild take on the post of director of the women's professional game, in addition to her role with The Hundred. Connor's old position as managing director of women's cricket will not be filled.