Tom Harrison is stepping down as CEO of the European Central Bank, with Clare Connor serving as an interim substitute.
Harrison, who played professional cricket for Northamptonshire and Derbyshire, was appointed Ceo of the ECB in January 2015 previously serving as head of marketing from 2003 to 2006. According to reports Claire Connor, the caretaker chief executive of the English Cricket Board, is also the president of MD Women’s Cricket and MCC.
The news is the latest example of turbulence at the ECB, which is still without a permanent chair after Ian Watmore’s resignation last October, going to follow an overhaul that could see men’s director of cricket Ashley Giles, head coach Chris Silverwood, and Test captain Joe Root all replaced since the turn of the year.
Harrison led the ECB’s reaction to the coronavirus pandemic, yet some of the goodwill he acquired for his management of the crisis and his voluntary pay cut was flushed away when he received a big bonus earlier this year.
In addition to the Ashes loss, Yorkshire had a racism incident last year, as well as a 1-0 Test blowout loss to the West Indies in March.
Brendon McCullum has subsequently been named the new head coach of England’s Test team, with the red and white ball head coaching positions being separated by new England men’s cricket managing director Rob Key.
“Being CEO of the ECB over the past seven years has been a wonderful honour,” Harrison remarked.
“Cricket is an enormous force for positive development, and my ambition has been to develop the sport and ensure that more individuals and communities in England and Wales feel included in it.”
“In an ever-changing world, cricket’s long-term health hinges on its ability to evolve, stay relevant, and be more inclusive.”
“The past two years have been tremendously difficult, but we have rallied together to fight the pandemic, overcome cricket’s worst financial crisis, and remain committed to combating discrimination and continuing our journey toward becoming the inclusive, inviting sport we aspire to be.”
“Harrison was compelled to leave this summer, but not now. The board was expected to wait until the ECB Chair was appointed permanently.
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