Rob Andrew: Sussex chief executive to exit Hove to join the ECB
- Published
Rob Andrew took the Sussex job in November 2016 following his departure from the RFU earlier in the year
Rob Andrew is to leave Sussex after seven years as chief executive to join the England and Wales Cricket Board.
The former England and British & Irish Lions stand-off, who became English rugby supremo with the Rugby Football Union, takes up a new role at the ECB.
Andrew, 60, will have the title of managing director, professional game.
It succeeds the role of managing director, county cricket, which has been filled by Neil Snowball since he quit as Warwickshire CEO in July 2020.
It is part of an ECB restructure which follows the appointment earlier this week of Cricket Wales chief executive Leshia Hawkins, external as the ECB's new managing director, recreational game.
Andrew will take responsibility for "growing and nurturing" men's and women's professional domestic cricket.
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.
"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 Rob's skills and background is of huge benefit."
Sussex do not yet have anyone lined up to replace Andrew, but have launched a recruitment process.
Sussex chair Jon Filby said: "I am convinced that Rob's appointment at the ECB shows the depth of their intention to fully support the 18 first-class counties for men's cricket.
"We are extremely grateful to Rob for his outstanding contribution to Sussex since he joined us in January 2017 and his leadership through the intense difficulties caused by the pandemic."
Rob Andrew's sporting CV
Rob Andrew was still turning his arm over for the RFU against the Rugby Writers at the Old Deer Park, Richmond in July 2016
Yorkshireman Andrew was also an accomplished cricketer as well as a rugby player, winning Blues in both sports whilst at Cambridge University.
He made 656 first-class runs and took 12 wickets with his off-spin in 17 appearances for Cambridge, topped by his maiden century, 101 not out against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge in 1984.
He also made seven appearances for his native Yorkshire's second XI in 1985.
After beginning his rugby career with Nottingham in 1985, he made his England debut in the same year against Romania.
He became a key member of the England side that won three Grand Slams and reached the 1991 World Cup final, scoring 396 points in 71 appearances.
After helping England to the semi-finals of the 1995 World Cup, he moved from Wasps to Newcastle, where he won the Premiership title at the first attempt in 1998.
After 10 years with the Falcons he left to join the RFU in 2006 as elite rugby director, a role he held for five years before becoming rugby operations director and director of professional rugby.
Rob Andrew won 71 caps for England's rugby union team
Analysis
BBC Radio Sussex cricket reporter Adrian Harms
Rob Andrew's time at Sussex has generally divided the opinion of members and supporters.
Off the field Sussex are the envy of many counties with the club free of debt, for which Andrew must take much of the credit.
The development of the Tate Residences and the rebuilding of the Cricketers Pub, will provide long-term revenue streams for the club in the foreseeable future.
On the field, however, the picture has not been so rosy.
Four head coaches have so far failed to return Sussex to Division One of the County Championship, and despite two appearances at T20 Finals Day, the club failed to lift a trophy during Andrew's tenure.
The departures of high-profile homegrown players such as Luke Wells, Phil Salt and Ben Brown, plus other international players including Danny Briggs and Chris Jordan, did little to appease supporters hoping for a return to former glories.
Looking to the future, Andrew will be well aware of the continued disenchantment within the county game at the current schedule.
Sussex supporters will not be alone in hoping his experience at Hove will finally bring a resolution to this ongoing problem.