Nimesh Kataria to join ECB as Chief Financial Officer

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is delighted to welcome Nimesh Kataria as new Chief Financial Officer.

Nimesh will join the ECB in April, and brings a wealth of experience and expertise in financial management and strategic planning. He will sit on the ECB Board, and joins from Warner Bros. Discovery’s (WBD) International Sports Division.

Richard Gould, ECB Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Nimesh to the ECB at an important time for our sport. His proven track record in financial management and strategic insight will be invaluable as we seek to grow cricket and become the most inclusive sport, whilst ensuring we put the game on a financially sustainable footing.”

In his current role, Nimesh is Chief Financial Officer for WBD’s International Sports Division, overseeing Eurosport, Global Cycling Network, Discovery Sports Events and the Olympics. He also played a key role in the recent TNT Sports Joint Venture between WBD and BT. Nimesh began his career at Ernst & Young, before joining WBD and taking on a number of roles within their Finance organisation

Nimesh Kataria said: “I am proud to be joining the ECB and hope to be able to play a part in growing cricket and helping even more people to fall in love with the sport. I’ve been a cricket fan my whole life, and while there are real challenges for the whole game in England and Wales to navigate, I’m excited by the opportunity we have to become the most inclusive sport and secure the future of cricket for future generations to play, watch and enjoy.”

In his new role, Nimesh will be responsible for financial reporting and business planning. His work will enable the organisation to budget effectively, control expenditure and deliver its revenue objectives. He will also lead key business services including Information and Technology and Procurement, as well as the Finance team.

Nimesh will succeed Scott Smith, who is leaving the ECB after eight years in the role.

Expressing thanks to Scott, Richard Gould said: “In his eight years Scott has played a major part in helping to contribute to significant change – including but not limited to a significant increase in our turnover, the creation of The Hundred and record funding distributions to the cricket network.

“Scott also helped the ECB and the wider game to successfully navigate the precarious Covid-19 period, ensuring all cricket members were financially secure. We said at the beginning of that period that keeping the lights on was one of our utmost priorities – we did that in no small part because of Scott’s expertise. I’d like to pass on sincere thanks on behalf of the whole game for the huge contribution he has made over many years.”

Notes to editors

Biography

Nimesh Kataria is currently Chief Financial Officer for WBD’s International Sports Division, having previously been Finance Director for Discovery’s UK & Ireland business and then Vice President Finance at Eurosport.

Nimesh’s current role involves overseeing all financial planning and accounting for the International Sports division, which includes TNT Sports in the UK and Eurosport's pay tv, free-to-air and digital operations across Europe. He also contributes to setting the overall strategic direction of the sports division and leading financial analysis related to rights acquisitions.

Nimesh originally joined the Discovery Group in 2010 and has held a variety of roles within the International Finance division. Prior to this, he spent 18 months at Ernst & Young as a Management Consultant after graduating from Aston University with a degree in Business & Management. Nimesh is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).

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