Steve Elworthy to replace Richard Gould as Surrey chief executive

Formerly of the ICC and ECB, the former South Africa Test quick will take the reins at The Kia Oval from January 2022

Steve Elworthy has been confirmed to replace Richard Gould as Surrey's new chief executive

The former South Africa Test bowler will begin his tenure in January, with Charlie Hodgson remaining as interim CEO for the rest of the year.

It was announced in May that Gould, who joined in 2011, was leaving the club to return to Championship football club Bristol City.

Since hanging up his bowling boots, Elworthy has accumulated a wealth of experience as an administrator.

He joins from the England and Wales Cricket Board, where he served as managing director: events and special projects. He helped deliver a full international schedule amid the Covid-19 pandemic, building the framework of bio-secure cricket, keeping players safe and saving the governing body millions in broadcast revenue.

ECB chief executive Tom Harrison added upon news of his departure: "Over the past 18 months his work has been crucial in enabling us to play cricket through the pandemic. He has a vast knowledge and understanding of cricket in this country and internationally, and is a man of great integrity who cares passionately about the game."

That position followed his role as MD of the 2019 World Cup. In total, he has helped deliver seven global ICC events and was also a commercial director for Cricket South Africa.

The 56-year-old has occupied several roles away from cricket, on the board of GB Basketball and as part of the bid teams for two netball World Cups.

Across a 14-year playing career, he turned out for The Proteas in four Tests and 39 one-day internationals and also had spells at county sides Lancashire and Nottinghamshire.

Elworthy's appointment comes at a key time for county cricket, with the financial recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic still ongoing. In May, Surrey reported losses of £1.2 million and estimated the period cost the club a cash sum of £5.6m.

^{Surrey reported heavy losses thanks to the Covid pandemic}

"Surrey is the biggest club in the country and to be offered the opportunity to work with Richard Thompson and the board, the Surrey team and players is a huge honour," said Elworthy.

"The club is steeped in history and has deep-seated roots in the community, and I look forward to taking over the fantastic work already put in place, driven by my predecessor Richard Gould and brilliantly supported by Charlie Hodgson, in the interim.

"Having played at The Oval when representing South Africa in the 1999 Cricket World Cup, I am looking forward to getting back to cricket and working with the women’s and men’s teams. 

"Cricket, on and off the field, has been part of my life since I can remember, and its values and comradery have helped shape my drive to keep this amazing sport healthy and vibrant – I am truly excited about the opportunities ahead."

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