Roger Hutton appointed as new Yorkshire chairman

Neil Hartley, the club's former vice-captain, joins him as the county's new vice-chairman

Roger Hutton has been appointed as the new chairman of Yorkshire, with the club’s former vice-captain Neil Hartley taking on the role of vice-chairman.

Hutton succeeds Robin Smith, who stepped down at the county’s recent annual general meeting. Hutton is a joint managing partner at Clarion Solicitors, a Leeds-based law firm who were Yorkshire Diamonds’ principal sponsor in the Kia Super League from 2016.

Speaking of his appointment, Hutton said: “My dad spent my childhood regaling me with stories of Len Hutton and Yorkshire County Cricket Club. I have been steeped in the club and its history, so I could not be prouder than to be appointed chairman of the club.

“Yorkshire has one of the strongest and most knowledgeable memberships in the country and I am anxious that their views are heard at a national level.

“It has a world-class facility in Emerald Headingley and a superb bunch of players. It has the greatest heritage of any cricket club in the world.

“Over the last few years, the club, under the guidance of Robin Smith, has assembled an incredibly talented group of people who work in it, not least Mark Arthur. I’d like to recognise Robin’s significant contribution to Yorkshire, fulfilling such roles as chairman, president and board member over a 20-year period.”

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He is joined by Hartley, who played for the club for 14 years between 1977 and 1991, making 142 first-class and List A appearances. The former allrounder has served as chairman of the Yorkshire Players’ Association for the last eight years.

He added: “I am really pleased to have been asked to take on the role and I am looking forward to making a contribution to what in my opinion is already a very well-structured board.

“I am looking forward to working with Roger who is absolutely the right choice for the chairman’s role. His legal background and experience will be essential for the Club in an environment where we require strong governance.

“I’ve known Roger for some time now and feel we get on well both socially and professionally. We are nicely aligned in terms of our views on how the board should continue to operate. I think there is real potential for a good, solid partnership.”