ECB Board Member, Brenda Trenowden CBE passes away

The England and Wales Cricket Board is today immensely saddened following the death of Brenda Trenowden CBE.

Brenda, who had been battling against the rare cancer pseudomyxoma peritonei, has served for five years on the ECB Board as a senior independent non-executive director.

She recently led the Nominations Committee that appointed Richard Thompson as the ECB’s new Chair and was a consistent champion for gender equality and equity, diversity, and inclusion throughout her professional life, bringing experiences and perspectives from which the Board benefited enormously.

As a global co-chair of the 30% Club, Brenda campaigned for increased representation for women in senior leadership roles. She initiated mentor programmes at the ECB, chaired the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Committee, and was awarded a CBE in 2018 for her services to the financial sector and gender equality.

Martin Darlow, the ECB Interim Chair, said: “Brenda was a powerful advocate for equality in everything she did. Her accomplishments were hugely significant, and we are deeply saddened to have lost a true pioneer and a passionate cricket supporter. Her work helped to advance the ECB in crucial areas and her contributions will continue to shape the sport for years to come. We are incredibly fortunate and privileged to have benefitted from her input and advice.”

Clare Connor, Interim CEO, commented: ‘’I feel honoured to have counted Brenda as a friend and mentor over recent years. Her passion for gender equality coupled with her commercial nous brought huge energy and knowledge to our organisation. Beyond that, her good humour and amazing bravery as she battled such a horrific illness was an inspiration to all. We will all feel her loss so keenly. Our thoughts are with Mark, Teddy, and India, along with Brenda’s many colleagues and friends across the world.’’

After a long career in capital markets, investment and relationship banking, Brenda’s CV featured entries from several global financial institutions: ANZ Bank (where she was a member of the UK Management Board), BNY Mellon, Lloyds Banking Group, BNP Paribas, Peregrine, and Citi had all enjoyed her experience and expertise.

She was a partner at PwC UK, as well as an advisor to the UK government’s Hampton-Alexander Review for increasing the representation of women in the executive level of the FTSE 350.

Everyone at the ECB is deeply saddened by Brenda’s passing. Our thoughts are with her friends and family.