Lancashire CC hires Ricoh Arena boss as new CEO
LANCASHIRE County Cricket Club has appointed Daniel Gidney as its new chief executive.
Mr Gidney is currently CEO of the Ricoh Arena in Coventry and will replace Lancs’ veteran chief executive Jim Cumbes, who is retiring at the end of the year.
During six years at the helm of the Ricoh Arena, home of Coventry City FC, Mr Gidney was responsible for attracting several high-profile sporting, music and business events, including the Olympic Games (football) and the Rugby World Cup.
He has a track record for maximising revenue streams for non-matchday hospitality, conferencing and events – which will be vital to Lancashire after the major investment to upgrade Old Trafford.
Mr Gidney joins Lancashire at a key time – the club will unveil its new pavilion in the Spring before hosting the eagerly-anticipated return of the Ashes in August.
LCCC Chairman Michael Cairns OBE said: “We are delighted to appoint Daniel whose experience and track record in overseeing a highly-regarded sporting venue will serve our business well as we embark on a new and exciting era.
“With the next stage of our development due to be completed next year and the much-anticipated return of the Ashes next summer, Daniel is joining Lancashire County Cricket Club at a key moment in our history.”
Mr Cairns also paid warm tribute to Jim Cumbes, a former professional footballer with West Brom and Aston Villa and cricketer with Lancashire and Worcestershire, who has served Lancashire as chief executive since 1998.
He said: “Jim was a key member of the team throughout what has been a monumental period for the Club which saw us ultimately overcome a number of potentially devastating hurdles to be in the position where we are today: having a world-class stadium, Club and business that we can all be proud of.
“Everybody connected with Lancashire County Cricket Club owes a tremendous amount of gratitude to Jim for his unfaltering service to cricket and the business of cricket over the years and we all wish him well in his retirement.”
