GORDON Hollins has been appointed as Somerset County Cricket Club's chief executive.

Hollins was most recently the ECB's managing director of county cricket, stepping down from the role in October 2019, and has previous commercial experience in Scotland and north-east England.

In his role at the ECB, Hollins liaised with counties at professional and recreational level and helped deliver the Inspiring Generations strategy. He was previously the governing body's chief operating officer and spent six years as Durham CCC's commercial director.

Hollins becomes Somerset's fourth chief executive in less than three years, following Andrew Cornish's sudden dismissal in August last year and the earlier departures of Guy Lavender and Lee Cooper.

Gordon Baird, the Somerset CCC chairman said: “We are excited to welcome Gordon to Somerset County Cricket Club.

“Gordon was quickly identified as the right person to take forward a Club which already has an enviable track record both on and off the pitch.

“The current strength of county cricket at all levels is due in no small part to Gordon’s major contribution.

"I am confident that his executive leadership will enable this club to successfully capitalise on the vast potential in Somerset and the South West as a whole, both on and off the field.”

Gordon’s appointment follows an extensive selection process, during which he proved to be the outstanding applicant from a very strong list of candidates.

The Nominations Committee, chaired by Chris Bishop, and comprising of General Committee and independent members, were unanimous in their choice for the new CEO.

Gordon Hollins said: “I am delighted to be joining Somerset County Cricket Club as the new chief executive.

"Cricket is in my heart and the opportunity to lead a club which I have greatly admired throughout my time in the game and has such potential to grow, was something I could not resist.

"I look forward to getting to know the Somerset team on and off the field and working with them, our members and partners to deliver the club’s ambitions.”

Former Somerset chairman Andy Nash, also formerly an ECB director, said on Twitter: "I worked extensively with Gordon Hollins for many years and he was instrumental in helping us bring international cricket back to Taunton.

"This is an excellent appointment for the club as he’s a genuine supporter of county cricket."