Surrey chief executive Richard Gould to leave county after decade in charge

Charlie Hodgson, managing director of the Kia Oval, will step up as Surrey’s interim CEO, though no formal departure date has yet been confirmed between Gould and the county

Surrey chief executive Richard Gould is to leave the county after a decade at the helm at the Kia Oval.

Gould, who joined Surrey in 2011 from Somerset, is to return to Bristol City – where he previously worked as commercial director – to become the Championship football club’s new chief executive.

Charlie Hodgson, managing director of the Kia Oval, will step up as Surrey’s interim CEO, though no formal departure date has yet been confirmed between Gould and the county.

Under his leadership over the course of the last decade, the club’s business side has been transformed, with Surrey delivering record profits for the financial year of 2019/20.

He also played a major role in the development of the ground, with the One Oval Square stand soon to be completed. Surrey now have 13,500 members – a club record in the modern era.

^{Ollie Pope has been one of several homegrown players to emerge during Gould's tenure}

Gould said: “It has been an absolute honour to lead Surrey County Cricket Club for the past decade. It will always be a part of my life and I would like to thank our staff, players and Members for their hard work, wonderful support and good humour throughout.

“As the world of sport continues to evolve, Surrey CCC and the Kia Oval represent something very special indeed and I very much look forward to watching the club’s continued growth over years to come.”

During his tenure, the county ended their 16-year wait for a County Championship title by winning the trophy in 2018, while several homegrown players have come through the club’s youth system to represent England.

Richard Thompson, Surrey County Cricket Club chair, added: “Richard has been an exceptional CEO of Surrey CCC over a ten-year period, always prepared to speak his mind, with great clarity, honesty and always integrity. Richard should be proud of his legacy and know that he will always be a valued friend to the club that he has contributed so much to in so many ways.”

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