David Smith takes charge at Grace Road

David Smith will take over from Paul Maylard-Mason as Leicestershire's chief executive in January.

Smith, who played for Warwickshire, said: "This is a great opportunity to build on the good work undertaken by the club. In Tim Boon, we have an outstanding cricket coach - he and I share a vision for the club to establish a sustainable development pathway which gives young Leicestershire cricketers the best opportunity to represent their county at first-class level."

"David brings a rare set of credentials to the post," Neil Davidson, the chairman, said: "A successful playing career at first-class level, experience of cricket administration and a successful business career in a highly relevant industry."