Simon Storey named new Derbyshire chief executive

Derbyshire have appointed Simon Storey as their new chief executive. He replaces Keith Loring, who remains with the club in a consultancy role but has stepped down from day-to-day duties.

Storey, 42, has a marketing background with 20 year's commercial experience. He comes from a management role with a pharmaceutical company in Switzerland.

"It is an exciting time to join the club," Storey said. "I am relishing the opportunity to help lead Derbyshire towards future success. I do not underestimate the challenge ahead but I have confidence in the long-term direction of the club and I am committed to bringing all my leadership abilities, commercial experience and sporting passion to help the club achieve our goals on and off the field in the coming years."

Storey will inherit a county in reasonable financial shape, Derbyshire having made a profit in five of the last six years. But the main challenge is to bring back success on the field. Derbyshire have not finished above fifth in Division Two of the County Championship since their only season in the first division - in 2000 - where they finished bottom.

Last season had long-standing chairman Don Amott leave the county after a boardroom dispute and coach John Morris left two months into the new season.

But Derbyshire have begun 2012 strongly, with victories over Northamptonshire and Glamorgan and a draw against Leicestershire.