ECB appoints Katie Bickerstaffe to its Board

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) today announced that Katie Bickerstaffe will join its Board of Directors.

The Board unanimously approved the recommendation from its Nominations Committee to appoint Katie as an Independent Non-Executive Director.

Katie has extensive experience managing and transforming businesses, following a career working in a variety of roles in the retail and FMCG sectors. She brings with her a strong understanding of business operations, as well as experience in change management, digital marketing, people management and property.

Katie is currently Executive Chair of SSE Energy Services (part of SSE Plc) and a Non-Executive Director on the board of Marks and Spencer Plc. Prior to this she was Chief Executive of Dixons Carphone Plc (UK and Ireland), having previously worked with many leading global companies including PepsiCo, Unilever and Dyson.

She is a keen sportsperson who is passionate about growing cricket, particularly the women's and girls’ game.

She replaces Jane Stichbury, CBE and QPM, who stepped down from the Board in May 2019 after nine years in the role. A former Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Jane was an integral member of the Board and played a leading role in developing policies around anti-corruption and integrity.

Commenting on Katie’s appointment, ECB Chair, Colin Graves said:

“We are delighted to have Katie join our Board. She brings a wealth of experience and has a strong reputation for running and transforming leading organisations.

“Her appointment comes at an opportune time for cricket as we near the end of a landmark summer and move into the delivery of our 2020-24 strategy to grow the game, Inspiring Generations. I have no doubt that she will be a huge asset to our Board, complementing the wide range of skills and experience held by its members.

“I would also like to express my gratitude to Jane Stichbury. She was an extremely valued Board member who has made a lasting impact on ECB policy – I speak on behalf of the whole Board when I say that she’ll be truly missed. We wish her the best for the future.”

Also commenting, Katie Bickerstaffe, ECB’s new Board member said:

“I’m really looking forward to joining the ECB Board and entering the world of cricket at such an exciting time for the sport. I’ve watched this amazing summer of cricket unfold with tremendous admiration for all the players and excitement for the future of the game as we build on this season’s success.

“Helping more people – of all backgrounds, ethnicities and genders – get involved in sport is something I’m extremely passionate about. I look forward to using my experience to help ECB drive its strategy to grow the game – from transforming and investing in the women's and girls’ game through to getting more people from all backgrounds into cricket.”