Tributes paid as leading Bristol businessman passes away
One of Bristol’s best known businessmen has died at the age of 74.
Colin Sexstone was the former chief executive and chairman of Bristol City Gloucestershire County Cricket Club.
Born and raised in Bristol Sexstone was educated in Luckwell, South Street and Colston School before studying for a business studies degree at the Bristol College of Commerce.
Sexstone then moved onto the Royal Air Force where he would enjoy a 25-year career in the before retiring in 1996 as a Group Captain.
That year saw Sexstone named as chief executive of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, where in his five-year tenure he oversaw the development of the County Ground into an international standard cricket ground.
Sexstone was then appointed chief executive of Bristol City in 2001 – a role that he would hold for a decade.
He transitioned into the role as chairman when new owner Stephen Lansdown, the co-founder of Hargreaves Lansdown – took over at Ashton Gate in 2011. He departed the club a year later in May 2012.
Following his time at Bristol City, Sexstone would go on to hold further roles in the game at Plymouth Argyle and Bristol Rovers.
Bristol City owner Stephen Lansdown said: “I shall remember Colin not just as a chief executive who was totally dedicated to the club, but as a friend who was quick to share a story which would often be related to his past career in the RAF and the game of Cricket.
“We used to say he was the only CEO to plan our away trips via RAF bases so he could tell us of their history. Colin was a good friend and colleague, and he will be sadly missed.”
A spokesman for Gloucestershire County Cricket club said: “Colin’s tenure as chief executive was a very successful one.
“He brought men’s international cricket to the Bristol County Ground starting with the 1999 ICC Cricket World Cup, but perhaps will be remembered best for his overseeing of the hugely successful period of one-day cricket which resulted in five trophies over the turn of the millennia.
“Eternally affable and always ready to help, he was a very popular figure at the club and across the city of Bristol. Colin will be missed by all that knew him, and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
