Gloucs announce Betfair man as CEO

Gloucestershire have announced that Will Brown, head of commercial operations at Betfair, will take over as chief executive when Tom Richardson steps down from the role at the end of August.

Brown, 37, has a "track record in driving significant revenue uplift" and in over five years at Betfair has been involved in their sponsorship of cricket and it's partnerships with the ECB and Professional Cricketers' Association. He previously held positions at the Lawn Tennis Association and ESPNcricinfo.

He will take over on September 2 from Richardson, who is stepping down after 12 years at Bristol during which time he has maintained regular international cricket in the West Country and began the redevelopment of Nevil Road.

Brown is a lifelong Gloucestershire fan and will take over on September 2 with the primary challenge to ensure the £10 million investment in the ground brings commercial success. He is also charged with improving results on the field with Gloucestershire having declined from the glory years at the turn of the century.

"I am absolutely delighted to be joining Gloucestershire at such an exciting time for the club," Brown said. "With the new ground, and all the hard work from Tom Richardson and his team, the future looks bright and I look forward to helping develop this success both on and off the field."

Gloucestershire chairman Roger Cooke added: "I am very pleased that Will is taking over. His arrival will coincide with the opening of our rebuilt Bristol Pavilion, and all the commercial and membership opportunities that will represent."