Clive Leach appointed as Durham chairman

Clive Leach, the former chief executive of Tyne Tees Television, has been appointed as Durham's new chairman.

"I am honoured to become involved with Durham, one of the most innovative and exciting counties in cricket", said Leach. "The North East has always been important to me and I hope that through my business and cricketing background I can help realise the Durham dream of having a successful team, developing the Riverside and hosting regular high-profile international cricket."

Long-time followers of the county may remember Leach from his playing days. He played for Durham between 1960 and 1964 after four years of first-class cricket with Warwickshire and was also the professional for Bishop Auckland CC between 1960 and 1963.

Leach has strong links with the North East having started his 30 years in television working with Tyne Tees. On his retirement from television in 1993 he was Chairman and Chief Executive of Yorkshire Tyne Tees plc. In 2000 he was awarded the CBE for services to training and education.

"On behalf of Durham CCC I would like to welcome Clive Leach to the Board", said outgoing chairman Bob Jackson. "It has been a privilege and a challenge for me to be chairman of the club over the last year and I am looking forward to working with Clive in my role as vice-chairman."

Durham's chief executive David Harker added: "The club has conducted a wide-ranging and comprehensive search for a nationally respected business leader with strong North East links and a love of cricket. I believe that in Clive we have found the ideal candidate."