ECB: Surrey chairman Richard Thompson moves to same role on governing body

Thompson, who begins his new ro on September 1, has agreed to a five-year term.

Ian Watmore left office in October after serving just 13 months of an expected five-year term, with Martin Darlow as interim president.

Thompson, 55, has pledged to "restore the trust" of communities in which the ECB has "failed" - and to give cricket "a fresh start".

Founder and chairman of talent management agency M&C Saatchi Merlin and chairman of M&C Saatchi UK Group, Thompson served as non-executive director of the ECB from 2012 to 2018.

< p class="" data-reactid=".288bemhjyb6.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-6">His appointment follows a number of racist scandals in sport .

"The cricket m 'provided the chance to meet an incredibly diverse array of amazing people," Thompson said.

"Their passion, effort and love for the game is what I want to harness, to drive forward our game, to new heights across England and Wales.

"Cricket should to be the most inclusive sport in the country, welcoming people from all walks of life, helping to bring communities together. For the communities where we have failed, I will work tirelessly to restore their faith in the game.

" J look forward to using my experience and love for the game by taking this opportunity to give cricket a fresh start."

Thompson has been chairman of Surrey since 2010 - a period that included the success of their County Championship in 2018 and the launch of their African Caribbean Engagement (ACE) scheme, which has now become a charity independent. The Kia Oval has also been redeveloped.

Brenda Trenowde, ECB Independent Director, Chair of the Nominations Committee , said: "His blend of exceptional experience in cricket business and administration supports our goals of growing and diversifying the game while guiding the game as we face financial headwinds." /p>