Alec Stewart back as Surrey director of men's cricket

Alec Stewart is to resume his role as Surrey's director of men's cricket with immediate effect, the club have announced.

Stewart, 62, stepped back from working full-time at the Kia Oval after the 2024 season, in order to help care for his wife, Lynn, who died of cancer in April. He remained involved in a new role as high-performance advisor, with Surrey opting not to appoint a successor.

However, after one season away, he is set to retake the reins in the pursuit of more success. Stewart, who returned to the club where he spent his playing career as director of cricket in 2013, oversaw a strong player development pathway alongside four County Championship triumphs, including three in a row at the end of his first stint.

"Surrey has always been my home and I am now ready to return to full-time duties with the club again," Stewart said. "My priorities have always been to support the cricket management team and the squad to be the best county in the country, to bring cricketers into our professional squad through our pathway system and help players to fulfil their dreams of representing their country."

Surrey remained the team to beat in 2025, but were pipped by Nottinghamshire in the final rounds of the season to end up second on the Division One table.

Stewart will be reunited with head coach, Gareth Batty, and captain, Rory Burns, as they look to re-establish their dominance of county cricket's oldest competition.

Oli Slipper, Surrey chair, said: "Alec is a legend of Surrey and we are looking forward to having him back in his role as director of men's cricket. Alec's record speaks for itself and he's been the driving force in so much of the club's success over many, many years."

Steve Elworthy, CEO at Surrey, added: "Alec's commitment, drive and attention to detail has built the team into the side it is today and we know he will continue to progress the team as he resumes his role at the helm on the men's game in the county.

"Alec has remained an important part of the cricket management team over the last 12 months and he continues to drive the highest of standards across the club."