Harry Chathli: Yorkshire appoint business leader as county's new chair

Harry Chathli (left) takes over as chair of Yorkshire County Cricket Club from Tanni Grey-Thompson who has held the role on an interim basis for most of 2023

Yorkshire have appointed Harry Chathli as the county's chair, taking over from interim chair Tanni Grey-Thompson.

Grey-Thompson joined the board in May 2022 and was chair from January this year, but will continue to serve as a non-executive director.

Chathli is appointed after a members vote at the club's extraordinary general meeting.

"It's an honour and privilege to be appointed chair of one of the most iconic clubs," Chathli said.

"Cricket is at an inflexion point with unprecedented growth reaching new audiences who are attracted by the variety of formats. Yorkshire has played its part in this growth within the men's cricket and has also been at the forefront of development of women's cricket in the country. I am also proud of the fact we are championing disability and LGBTQ+ cricket.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Tanni for her excellent stewardship of the club through a very challenging period this year."

Grey-Thompson had initially been due to co-chair the club until Lord Patel stepped down in March.

Patel was appointed in November 2021 after Roger Hutton resigned over the club's response to the Azeem Rafiq racism scandal.

Chathli arrives at Headingley having had significant board experience in the communications industry as well as advising global companies, organisations and government agencies.

"We are delighted to welcome Harry to the board and as chair at Yorkshire County Cricket Club," chief executive Stephen Vaughan said.

"Harry brings strong business acumen and experience, and I am sure this positive impact that will benefit Yorkshire County Cricket Club and the Yorkshire family as a whole."