Nottinghamshire make Pursehouse first female CEO

Lisa Pursehouse has become the first female chief executive at a first-class county after being confirmed as the new CEO of Nottinghamshire.

Pursehouse, who has worked at Trent Bridge since 2000, served most recently as deputy chief executive and succeeds Derek Brewer who will vacate the role on April 27 to take up his new role in charge of the MCC.

Brewer and Pursehouse are seen as prime movers in Nottinghamshire's emergence as one of the top international cricket venues in the UK and have also overseen a period of stability and financial success which has enabled them to compete strongly on the pitch.

Nottinghamshire have won the County Championship twice in the last six seasons and recently beat stiff opposition to win the right to host an Ashes Test in 2013 and 2015 as well as a Test against India in 2014. Crucially, Nottinghamshire have also completed their redevelopment without incurring the substantial debts suffered by many of their competitions.

Nottinghamshire's chairman, Peter Wright, said: "Her knowledge of the commercial needs and operational demands of our business is exceptional and she will now have the opportunity to stamp her mark on this great club. I am delighted that she has accepted this opportunity and the challenges that it will involve."

Pursehouse joined Yorkshire in 1995 before moving to Trent Bridge in 2000 with a brief to develop the commercial activity of the club. Her promotion to deputy chief executive in 2005 saw her take responsibility for the commercial and operational aspects of the business and she has sat on multiple ECB working parties designed to enhance relations between the governing body and the first-class counties.

"We are rightfully proud of the things we have achieved at Trent Bridge in recent years but there is no complacency here and we are certainly not immune from the significant challenges that lie ahead," Pursehouse said. "This role is the greatest honour and the biggest challenge that I have ever faced but I have a clear vision and I am relishing the road ahead. I look forward to leading the next chapter at Trent Bridge."

Brewer, the outgoing chief executive, was quick to praise her contribution. "Lisa was my greatest ally during my tenure and I am delighted that the committee has seen fit to install her as my successor," he said. "Her knowledge base is an incredible asset to the club and I wish her every success."