Jim May appointed new Sussex chairman

Ill health has forced David Green to stand down as Sussex chairman after six years. He will be replaced by Jim May, who held the position of treasurer and who takes over with immediate effect.

"It has been an honour and mostly a pleasure to chair SCCC through the most successful years in its long history," said Green. "In recent months I have had to take a health-induced sabbatical due to having three major operations in a ten-week period. I am now recovering, but will not be fully fit to resume my duties for some months to come. I have therefore decided it is in the club's best interest that I stand down as chairman. I will stay on as a main board director both of Sussex and the ECB for as long as I am required."

May paid tribute to Green, saying: "Under David's leadership, Sussex achieved unprecedented success - winning three County Championships in five years. This will stand in the history books. In addition, David worked tirelessly behind the scenes. In particular his drive to create the youth ground at Blackstone near Henfield, the new Indoor School at Hove and ensuring we maximised the Spen Cama [their benefactor] inheritance are evidence of his contribution to Sussex cricket."

May added: "I am honoured to be elected by the board. There is no doubt that county cricket faces an exciting, but challenging future. Uncertainty at international level coupled with domestic restructuring in 2010 means that at Sussex we will have to be smart to remain a top county. Off the field, the challenge of redeveloping the ground at Hove and improving the trading performance are two topics high on the agenda."

May has significant connections in Sussex. He is deputy chairman of Shoreham Port Authority and a non-executive director of Brighton & Hove PCT. He was a banker for 35 years, latterly managing director, South, Royal Bank of Scotland, where he was responsible for the RBS and NatWest commercial business.

Gus Mackay, Sussex's chief executive, said: "It is with regret to learn that David will be stepping down. He has been a great asset to the club. I am delighted that he is to remain on the board."

But he welcomed May's appointment: "Jim brings with him a wealth of experience and business knowledge," he said, "which can only be a benefit to the club. I am looking forward to working closely with Jim on some of the exciting projects ahead of us."