Arriving from Hove where he served as chief executive for the past seven years, the former England rugby union international effectively succeeds the role occupied by Neil Snowball
Sussex chief executive Rob Andrew has been appointed as managing director of the professional game by the England and Wales Cricket Board.
Former England rugby union international Andrew's newly created position replaces Neil Snowball's role as managing director of county cricket, with the latter moving on to become managing director of competitions and major events.
The 60-year-old, who joined Sussex in January 2017 after succeeding Zac Toumazi, will be tasked with growing the men's and women's professional domestic game and will also join the ECB's senior leadership team.
"I am delighted to be joining the ECB at such an exciting time for cricket and in particular such an exciting time for the professional men's and women's game," said Andrew, who made 71 appearances for England as a fly-half.
The former British and Irish Lion continued: "We all know the landscape for cricket both domestically and internationally has never been more complex, but equally there has never been more interest in the game and collectively we have the chance to build a sustainable future.
In 2016, Andrew was installed as Sussex CEO, with the club enduring a rocky period on and off the field (David Rogers/Getty Images)
"My seven years at Sussex have given me a great insight into the landscape of professional cricket in this country, both men's and women's.
"From a men's cricket point of view, we must cherish the red-ball game in this country and help all 18 counties develop Test players of the future while also finding the right balance with the demands of white-ball cricket, both here and in the franchise world. Equally, the opportunities to take the women's game forward are immense and working together with all partners will be critical to getting this right.
"I look forward to working with all ECB partners and stakeholders to build on already strong foundations."
During his England career, Andrew won three grand slams and reached the 1991 Rugby World Cup final, as well as the semi-finals four years later.
Following his retirement from rugby, Andrew has been director of rugby at Newcastle Falcons and director of professional rugby at the Rugby Football Union (RFU), resigning from the latter in 2016.
Before his rugby career, Andrew made 17 first-class appearances for Cambridge University between 1984 to 1985, scoring one century against Nottinghamshire.
Andrew was capped 71 times by England, winning three grand slams and reaching the 1991 World Cup final, before joining the RFU in 2006 (Chris Cole /Allsport)
ECB chief executive Richard Gould added: "It's fantastic that we've been able to bring Rob Andrew on board into such an important role.
"The relationship between the ECB and the First Class Counties is of paramount importance, and the way in which we're able to support the men's and women's professional game is one of our major priorities.
"To bring in someone with the skills and the background of Rob is of huge benefit to us and the entire game, and we look forward to seeing how he adds value and contributes to the future direction and success of the ECB on all business matters."
Sussex chair Jon Filby said: "His [Andrew's] leadership through the intense difficulties caused by the pandemic and his outstanding work on the development of the Tate Residences ensure that he leaves the organisation in a very good position.
"I am convinced that Rob's appointment at the ECB shows the depth of their intention to fully support the 18 first-class counties for men's cricket.
"We wish him well in his new role and very much look forward to working with him on securing the future of cricket in Sussex and beyond."
Welcome to www.thecricketer.com - the online home of the world’s oldest cricket magazine. Breaking news, interviews, opinion and cricket goodness from every corner of our beautiful sport, from village green to national arena.