Derek Brewer named MCC chief executive

Nottinghamshire chief executive Derek Brewer has been named the new secretary and chief executive of MCC, replacing Keith Bradshaw who stood down earlier this year.

Brewer, 53, has been in his role with Nottinghamshire since 2005 and recently oversaw the club's successful bid for a gold package of matches from the ECB which ensures Trent Bridge will host Ashes Tests in 2013 and 2015.

Brewer joins MCC at a slightly controversial time for the club. The MCC committee recently voted in a scaled-down development plan for the ground which has led to the resignation of John Major, the former British Prime Minister, from the committee. Under Bradshaw's leadership, the MCC gained a reputation as a forward-thinking body and it has played a leading role in pushing innovations such as day-night Test cricket.

"I am very excited and honoured to have been selected as the next secretary and CEO of MCC," Brewer said. "Lord's is the most iconic Test match venue in the world and I look forward to bringing the experience I have gained in leading the Trent Bridge redevelopment to opportunities which lie ahead at Lord's.

"I know that I inherit a very strong team and, having worked closely with Keith Bradshaw during his tenure, I would like to pay tribute to his outstanding contribution.

"I would also like to thank the Nottinghamshire committee, staff and local partners for making the past seven years at Trent Bridge so enjoyable and successful. Trent Bridge, like Lord's is a special place."

MCC president Phillip Hodson said: "We were looking for someone with a successful track record of running organisations and CEO experience, ideally from within the cricket world. We wanted a strategic thinker, with a passion for the game - Derek fulfilled all the criteria, and more.

"Previously, he has worked closely with Colin Maber - the incoming chairman of MCC's estates committee - to create, at Trent Bridge, what I consider to be the second-best Test ground in the country," he added. "The development of both Nottinghamshire and Trent Bridge in his time at chief executive was hugely impressive. The ECB's award of the Gold A package of major matches to Nottinghamshire was, I believe, testament to his excellent work and strong leadership."

Brewer is expected to take up his position with MCC in April 2012 at the start of the new English domestic season.