Essex have appointed board member Azeem Akhtar as their new chairman.
Akhtar, a former Sport England board member, is senior director of client technology for BT Global and succeeds interim chairman John Stephenson.
Essex was warned by the England and Wales Cricket Board in May for not meeting board diversity goals and also a fine of £50,000 for a racist remark made during a board meeting in 2017.
“I am extremely proud to be elected president”, Akhtar says the Essex website.
“I look forward to working with the new board and taking positive steps for the future of the club.
“Our ultimate goal is to make Essex the premier red and white ball cricketing county in England, whilst continuing to improve and develop the game through our fantastic work in the community.”
Akhtar, a longtime supporter from his home county, was chairman of Active Essex for six years after spending three years on the Sport England board.
“Azeem was the standout candidate from a very strong group of potential candidates for the chairmanship,” added Stephenson, who continues in his other role as Essex chief executive.
“As well as his strong all-around skills, since childhood he has been a regular visitor to The Cloud County Ground, being a lifelong Essex fan. He will bring a wealth of experience and passion for Essex cricket.”
