Lancashire Cricket appoints sporting heavyweight as new chairman

Andy Anson

Lancashire Cricket has confirmed the appointment of Andy Anson as the club’s new chairman.

Anson will take over from acting chairman Les Platts, who stepped into the position following the passing of David Hodgkiss in March, and will start with immediate effect. Platts will return to his previous position on the board as treasurer.

In this non-executive position, Andy’s role will be to work with the board and to guide and support the chief executive, Daniel Gidney, and his executive team and staff to drive Lancashire Cricket to success on and off the field of play.

Anson is an internationally connected leader, with deep professional experience working at the top level across a variety of sports and leading world businesses. He is chief executive at the British Olympic Association responsible for taking Team GB to the Olympic Games.

Previously he has held key leadership roles in sport, most notably as CEO of the ATP World Tour in Europe, CEO of England’s 2018 FIFA World Cup Bid and as commercial director at Manchester United.

Lancashire-born Anson, said: “Since my dad first took me to Old Trafford in the early 1970’s as a junior member, Lancashire Cricket Club has been an important part of my life and I am honoured to take on the role of chairman.

“I do, however, regret that this opportunity has come about following the sad passing of David Hodgkiss earlier this year and would like to add my condolences to David’s family and those who knew him well.

“He did a fantastic job as chairman of the club and I want to continue David’s legacy in our pursuit of ensuring Lancashire is the best cricket club in the world, both on and off the field.

“I look forward to working with the board and our CEO, Daniel Gidney, to continue on the superb work done by David, and subsequently Les Platts, to help guide this great club through the challenges which have presented themselves throughout a tough 2020 and to a bright future.”

Sir Howard Bernstein, president of Lancashire Cricket, said: “I am delighted to be able to announce Andy Anson as the club’s new chairman.

“Andy was the outstanding candidate and has an impressive background of working in major sport, but it is his expertise in leadership that makes him ideally suited for this important position at the club. At a vital moment in our history, Andy’s knowledge and skills are going to be crucial to help guide us through this very difficult period.

“I would also like to place on record my sincere gratitude to Les Platts, for taking on the role as acting chairman at such short notice and working tirelessly since April to navigate the club through a most challenging and unexpected year.

“We are deeply grateful for all that Les has done for us and recognise how fortunate we are that he will now revert to his role as treasurer.”

Ian Watmore, England and Wales Cricket Board chairman said: “Lancashire is a county cricket club that is not only steeped in tradition, but which, over recent years, has evolved into one of the most innovative and successful sports organisations in England.

“This was demonstrated superbly last Summer when Emirates Old Trafford became one of the first sports venues to host international sporting fixtures behind-closed-doors.

“Having known Andy for a number of years and followed his career with interest, I believe his knowledge and experience are well suited to Lancashire and that, under his tenure as chair, he will help the club to further grow and develop, both on and off the field.”

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