Lancashire Cricket chair Andy Anson OBE is to step down from his position, with Dame Sarah Storey set to assume the role of interim chair.
At a board meeting yesterday (Monday 7 July) Anson announced his decision to resign from the role, following the India Test Match at Emirates Old Trafford. This follows on from his appointment to a new full-time role working with leading private equity company BD Capital, and his decision to step down as CEO of the British Olympic Association, earlier in the month.
Anson has served as Lancashire’s Chair since November 2020 providing strategic leadership and support to the club during a period of growth and transformation, initially under difficult circumstances following the passing of previous Chairman David Hodgkiss OBE during the Covid pandemic.
Under his stewardship, Lancashire Cricket has made significant strides, particularly with the Hilton Garden Inn extension project, which was completed in 2023, as well as a second ground at Farington that will open next year, whilst also ensuring significant investment into the club’s women’s team.
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Anson has overseen the sales process to acquire Manchester Originals, alongside the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, whilst also championing recent initiatives to honour the club’s heritage, such as the stand renaming after Sir Clive Lloyd and Farokh Engineer, which took place during the Fourth Rothesay Test Match between England and India at Emirates Old Trafford.
Anson said: “It has been a privilege to serve as chair of Lancashire Cricket, the club I’ve supported since childhood. I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved together and confident that the Club is well positioned for continued success in the future.
“Having the honour of naming a stand after Sir Clive Lloyd and Farokh Engineer recently, was a moment that will stay with me forever. I am also delighted that – following the investment in Manchester Originals by the RPSG Group – the club will be on a sound financial footing for generations to come. The significant progress of the women’s squad at the club is also something I am immensely proud of.
“I would like to thank the board, the executive team, our players, staff and members for their support and dedication throughout my tenure.”
The club has confirmed that Dame Storey – Britain’s most successful Paralympian – will assume the role on an interim basis, following Board approval, after stepping down as President. The interim chair position will be treated as a casual vacancy until the next Annual General Meeting. The appointment aligns with Club Rule 15.4.4, which states: “If a casual vacancy occurs in the office of club chair, the board shall meet to appoint a person to fill such vacancy.”
ECB chair Richard Thompson, added: “Andy has contributed a great deal during his tenure as chair at Lancashire, providing stable leadership through the difficult Covid years and enabling the club to keep moving forwards at pace. His work at the British Olympic Association has also helped to guide cricket into the Olympics in 2028.”
Dame Storey said: “Andy’s impact during his time as chair has been remarkable and I have been fortunate to witness this first hand during my time as president. Everyone is incredibly grateful for the service he’s shown to the club, and we approach the next phase in a great place thanks to his leadership.”
