From the FA to the ECB, Ian Watmore's journey in business and sport

A successful businessman and civil servant, who has spent much of his career in sport, Watmore will replace Colin Graves as chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board

The England and Wales Cricket Board have confirmed that Ian Watmore will replace Colin Graves as chairman later this year.

The 61-year-old's nomination has been agreed to by the ECB Board and will be ratified by members at the AGM in May.

Watmore, described as a "lifelong cricket fan" has held multiple senior roles in sport. His record in grassroots sport was seen as an important factor in his appointment. His four sons play at Lindow Cricket Club, his local side.

In 2016, he was appointed by The Queen to chair the Board of Civil Service Commission, a role he will continue to occupy until 2021 alongside his new ECB position.

Before taking over the role on a full-time basis from November 2020, Watmore will shadow Graves to learn the rigours of the position.

Seventy-two-year Graves was due to leave the role this spring but his tenure, which began in 2015, was extended to ensure he could help deliver The Hundred in its inaugural year.

“I am incredibly proud to be appointed to such a prestigious position and look forward to continuing Colin’s work and making the most of the tremendous momentum that cricket is currently enjoying," said Watmore.

“I feel privileged to be given this opportunity to help a sport that I care passionately about. All my life, I’ve seen the power of sport to unite communities. 

"I look forward to working with the ECB and its stakeholders to grow the international, domestic and recreational game and make a positive difference to society.”

^{Watmore will replace Colin Graves (left), while Andrew Strauss (right) was among those who helped to select the new chairman} 

Who is Ian Watmore?

A university graduate in maths and management science at Trinity College, Cambridge, Watmore has gone on to lead a successful career across multiple industries.

He rose from trainee level to become the youngest chief executive of Accenture UK. He spent 24 years at the company before joining the civil service.

There, he served as a Permanent Secretary under three different former Prime Ministers at the cabinet office, department for innovation, universities and skills, and in Downing Street. He has also chaired a medical research charity.

Much of Watmore’s work, however, has come in sport. He acted as an independent board member when England hosted the Rugby World Cup in 2015 and he joined the Football League board as an independent non-executive director in 2018. He was also a board member of the English Institute of Sport between 2002 and the Rio Olympics.

He is best known, however, for his role as chief executive of the Football Association, where he spent nine months after replacing Brian Barwick in 2009. While in the position, he oversaw the launch of the Women’s Super League and the St George’s Park project.

ECB non-executive director and ex-England seamer Lucy Pearson said: “Ian brings such a wealth of experience from the highest levels of business, sport and the public sector environment. With his broad skillset and deep understanding of all levels of the game, he is perfectly placed to support the ECB in delivering on our ambitions over the next five years.

“Ian has a lifelong passion for the sport and, in an incredibly strong field of candidates, he was the stand-out all-rounder.”

His son, Duncan, is a professional footballer. The winger joined Sunderland in 2013 from Altrincham, making his Premier League debut in 2015. Injuries, however, have restricted his progress since.