Glamorgan Cricket confirms that Barry O’Brien will step down from his position as Chairman of the Club following his appointment as a director of the England and Wales Cricket Board.
The ECB’s new governance arrangements do not allow directors to hold positions within the County game and consequently, after seven years as Chairman of Glamorgan, Barry will be stepping down from this position.
During his tenure, Barry has led a remarkable turn-around in the fortunes of Glamorgan, from a Club immersed in debt and focused on survival to one which has momentum and a bright future.
Commenting on the announcement Chief Executive Hugh Morris said: “Barry O’Brien has played an outstanding innings for Glamorgan County Cricket Club. He has shown the necessary courage and leadership to guide us through some challenging times.
"The significant reduction in our long-term debt and the changes to our governance provide strong foundations for a exciting future and will be important legacies of Barry’s term of office.
“On behalf of the Board and staff of Glamorgan I would like to thank Barry for his commitment and encouragement throughout his tenure and on a personal note I would like to thank him for his support and wise-counsel during my time as chief executive.
"He is someone who will be missed by the Club but we are delighted his vast knowledge, experience and skills will continue to benefit the game of cricket in England and Wales in his role as an ECB director.”
Barry O’Brien said; “It was a privilege to be invited to succeed Paul Russell as Chairman of Glamorgan and despite some of the challenges I have enjoyed every moment of the past seven years.
"It is impossible to mention all those - members, staff and players - that help to make Glamorgan such a special club but alongside Paul I would pay tribute to my two Presidents, David Morgan and Alan Jones, and to Hugh Morris. Under Hugh's leadership I am confident that the Club will go from strength to strength and the ECB rules will not preclude my continuing support for the team.”
The process for recruiting the new Chairman of Glamorgan County Cricket Club will begin shortly and will be led by the Nominations Committee of the Club.