Rob Andrew joins ECB as Managing Director, Professional Game

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced that Rob Andrew has been appointed as Managing Director, Professional Game. He will join the ECB from Sussex CCC, where he has been Chief Executive since 2017.

Formerly an international rugby union player for England Men, he was also Director of Rugby at Newcastle Falcons and Director of Professional Rugby at the Rugby Football Union (RFU).

The new role succeeds that of Managing Director, County Cricket and will see Andrew assuming responsibility for growing and nurturing both men’s and women’s professional domestic cricket in line with the Inspiring Generations strategy, and overseeing engagement with the First Class Counties and Women’s Regional Teams.

The position forms part of the ECB’s Senior Leadership Team with overall responsibility for the professional domestic game, including management of the County Partnership Agreement and support of the Professional Game Committee, which has responsibility to provide strategic advice to the ECB Board in relation to men’s and women’s professional cricket.

Andrew moving into the role will enable Neil Snowball to take on the role of MD Competitions and Major Events. This new role will encompass the oversight and delivery of all men’s and women’s domestic competitions including The Hundred, domestic cricket operations and officiating, delivery of all major events including men’s and women’s international matches, plus ICC Global Events such as the Men’s World Test Championship Final in 2025 and Women’s T20 World Cup in 2026.

ECB Chief Executive Officer Richard Gould said: “It’s fantastic that we’ve been able to bring Rob Andrew on board into such an important role.

“The relationship between the ECB and the First Class Counties is of paramount importance, and the way in which we’re able to support the men’s and women’s professional game is one of our major priorities.

“To bring in someone with the skills and the background of Rob is of huge benefit to us and the entire game, and we look forward to seeing how he adds value and contributes to the future direction and success of the ECB on all business matters.”

Rob Andrew said: “I am delighted to be joining the ECB at such an exciting time for cricket, and in particular such an exciting time for the professional men’s and women’s game.

“We all know the landscape for cricket both domestically and internationally has never been more complex, but equally there has never been more interest in the game and collectively we have the chance to build a sustainable future.

“My seven years at Sussex have given me a great insight into the landscape of professional cricket in this country, both men’s and women’s.

“From a men’s cricket point of view, we must cherish the red-ball game in this country and help all 18 counties develop Test players of the future while also finding the right balance with the demands of white-ball cricket, both here and in the franchise world. Equally, the opportunities to take the women’s game forward are immense and working together with all partners will be critical to getting this right.

“I look forward to working with all ECB partners and stakeholders to build on already strong foundations.”