The former England rugby international Rob Andrew said that he was thrilled to become the new chief executive of Sussex Cricket.
While he played first class cricket for Cambridge University, he has been recruited more for his experience as a sports administrator.
Andrew, 53, served as the RFU’s professional rugby director after a playing career during which the fly-half won 71 England caps. He also had a stint as director of rugby for Newcastle.
He will take over at Sussex Cricket in January 2017 with a brief to build on the work of departing chief executive Zac Toumazi, who has overseen the integration of the professional club with the recreational board and its 245 affiliated league clubs.
Sussex Cricket chairman Jim May said: “I am extremely pleased about the appointment of Rob Andrew. He has exceptional experience, both playing and administering sport which will be of great help to our cricket management delivering success.
“This is designed to build a stronger player pathway to ensure that Sussex succeeds at the top level of cricket in the long term.
“I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Zac, who leaves a strong legacy and with the thanks of everyone involved in Sussex Cricket for his four years at the helm.”
Rob Andrew said: “I am thrilled and really excited to be joining Sussex. The structures that have been put in place under the Sussex Cricket Limited umbrella have laid a very strong foundation for the future.
“I am looking forward to working with everyone connected with Sussex to help create success in professional cricket, recreational cricket and community programmes and ensuring that Hove remains a very special cricket ground.
“I will be focusing on driving forward the strategy over the next few years and helping write the next chapter in the rich history of cricket in Sussex.
“These are exciting times for Sussex Cricket and cricket in general and I can’t wait to get started.”
