Gordon Hollins to step down as managing director of county cricket

Hollins initially joined the national governing body in 2007 on the back of six years as commercial director at Durham

Gordon Hollins is to leave his role as the ECB’s managing director of county cricket.

Hollins initially joined the national governing body in 2007 on the back of six years as commercial director at Durham. He has held numerous roles during his 12 years with the ECB.

However, it was in his current position that he became an increasingly influential presence. He led the lengthy discussions with all counties and Cricket Wales, which resulted in an agreement between ECB and its primary stakeholders, which allowed the organisation to deliver its Inspiring Generations strategy.

The ECB created his position within its hierarchy to specifically liaise with the county and recreational game. Hollins was formerly the governing body's chief operating officer.

ECB chief executive Tom Harrison added: “Gordon has done a tremendous job in leading the creation of the County Partnership Agreement. We owe him a lasting debt of gratitude and wish him every success in his future endeavours.

“Over the last 12 years Gordon has played a key role in several important ECB initiatives which have brought real benefits to cricket in this country.

“We look forward to continuing the great work he has done, and the improved liaison with the counties that Gordon nurtured. Our Inspiring Generations strategy is designed to grow the game at all levels between 2020 and 2024.

“When it is successfully implemented, we will not forget the significant contribution Gordon made to that success.”

Hollins' remit revolved around the implementation on the ECB's five-year plan for the 2020-24 period; a total of £500 million was made available across 26 different projects, designed to expand the game across urban and ethnically diverse areas of England and Wales.

At the time of his appointment, Tom Harrison said of Hollins and the position: "His appointment to this newly created role is part of ECB’s pledge to protect and grow the domestic game and ensure it can be enjoyed for generations to come. We will do this through partnership and increased support to the counties through the new strategy."

Hollins will remain in his role until January 2020, with an emphasis on implementing the agreement he oversaw. An external search for his successor will begin immediately.

On his impending departure, he said: “I am very proud of what we have achieved as a game over the last 12 years and to have been part of the development and growth of the sport that I love.

“None of it would have been possible without the tireless work of the professional executives and fantastic volunteers across England and Wales – it has been a privilege to work with them all.

“It feels like a natural time for me to move on from ECB, and I look forward to applying the experience I have gained to a new challenge in the sporting world.”