The Board of Durham Cricket are pleased to announce that Phil Collins has been elected as the Club Chair and will formally take over from Lord Ian Botham with immediate effect.
Lord Ian Botham who has held the position of Club Chair since 2017 has now completed his term in the role and has been elected Honorary President.
Collins, who became Vice Chair and a Director of the Club in 2017, has an extensive and successful commercial and marketing background, with over 35 years experience across various industries, along with a lifelong passion for cricket.
“I’m delighted to have taken on the role of Chair in what is a very exciting time for Durham Cricket,” Collins said.
“Lord Ian and the board has laid strong foundations for many years and I am looking forward to building on the work which has been achieved.
“The response to my election has been magnificent and everyone has been very supportive.
“I can’t wait for the season to start and for our men’s and women’s teams to get competing on the field, while we work on some exciting projects off it too.”
Lord Ian Botham added: “I am delighted with what has been achieved at the Club during my tenure both on and off the field.
“Our men’s team have performed superbly in recent times and this was evident with our promotion to Division One and our performances last year in the topflight.
“Our successful Tier 1 bid is huge for the region and we are absolutely delighted to bring professional women’s sport to the region.
“It’s a huge endorsement of the pathway we already have at Durham and the potential of the region and our squad and coaching staff is coming together very nicely.
“I look forward to working with Phil to achieve our goals and build on our successes, as I wish him all the best as our new Club Chair.”
ECB Chair Richard Thompson said: “Over 50 years, Lord Botham has made a huge contribution to English cricket and in particular to Durham, first as a player before returning as Chair in 2017 at a very challenging time for the club.
“His period as Chair has been marked by Durham’s strong recovery and the conveyer belt of English talent it has produced. The club has been put on a more secure footing, returned to the First Division of the men’s County Championship, and it will also compete in the top tier of the new women’s domestic structure next year.
“I’d like to thank Lord Botham for his years of service, and would like to wish him all the best in his new role as Durham’s President.”