- Former Yorkshire captain Steven Patterson joins Karen Birch, Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of Leeds, and hospitality industry leader Kate Nicholls OBE as new Non-Executive Directors.
- Chair Colin Graves says trio bring “a diverse blend of first-class experience from the worlds of elite sport, business, government relations and Yorkshire’s civic institutions”
- Appointments come as Club embarks on its new ten-year strategy, Chasing Glory
The Yorkshire County Cricket Club Limited has added additional expertise to its board of directors with the proposed appointments of three new non-executive directors, including a former Club Captain.
Yorkshire County Cricket Club is strengthening its Board with the appointments of three new Non-Executive Directors, including former Club Captain, Steven Patterson.
Steven Patterson, Karen Birch and Kate Nicholls OBE are set to join the Board on initial terms of three years, with the appointments being subject to confirmation by members pursuant to a vote at the next AGM.
Steven Patterson Steven Patterson is a former professional cricketer who spent his entire playing career with Yorkshire County Cricket Club, winning back-to-back County Championships in 2014 and 2015 and serving as Club Captain from 2018 to 2022. Since retiring from the game in 2022, Steven has built a successful career in property development and investment.
Karen Birch is currently a pro vice-chancellor at the University of Leeds which is a role focused on enhancing academic excellence and financial sustainability. Having previously been the executive dean of the Faculty of Biological Sciences, Karen’s academic area of work relates to the impact of exercise upon physiological markers of health in women throughout the lifespan and how all physical activity can impact health and wellbeing.
Kate Nicholls OBE is an experienced adviser to companies in the hospitality, tourism and leisure industries. She is Chair of UKHospitality, having previously served as CEO and led the trade body through the Covid pandemic, Brexit and the cost-of-living crisis. She is also Executive Chair of the Institute of Licensing, a member of the government’s Visitor Economy and Hospitality Councils and the Food & Farming Board, as well as Chair of Liverpool’s Experience Campus and a non-executive director at University Hospital Tees.
Colin Graves CBE, chair of Yorkshire Cricket, said: “Yorkshire is in an important period of transformation, and we want a Board with the breadth of experience and perspective to support the Club’s ambitions. Strong governance is fundamental to that, with the Board managing and overseeing the activities of the Club by providing both support and challenge to the executive team.
“Steven, Karen and Kate bring a diverse blend of first-class experience across elite sport, business, government relations, hospitality and Yorkshire’s civic institutions. Karen and Kate operate at the highest level in their respective fields, while Steven brings a deep understanding of Yorkshire Cricket, a winning mentality and the perspective of someone who has represented and captained this Club with distinction.
“I’m delighted they have agreed to join us at such an important time for Yorkshire and the wider county game.”
The appointments come as Yorkshire Cricket begins delivering Chasing Glory, its new ten-year strategy to return Yorkshire to the top of the game. The strategy includes plans to further strengthen Yorkshire’s player pathway to ensure it is world-leading; secure Headingley’s future as the home of international cricket in the North; invest in the ground and wider cricket infrastructure; and build teams capable of consistently winning trophies.
Steven Patterson said: “Yorkshire Cricket is in my blood. Captaining the Club was the proudest achievement of my career and I’m incredibly proud to now have the opportunity to contribute at Board level. As a player and captain, I saw first-hand the difference that outstanding leadership and culture can make. Now, having focused on my businesses since retiring, I’m keen to combine this experience with my knowledge of the game to help Yorkshire build a successful, inclusive and sustainable future so the Club can thrive for generations to come.”
Karen Birch said: “This is a pivotal moment for Yorkshire Cricket and one where the Board has an important responsibility to provide support and challenge as the Club considers its future direction. Having worked at the University of Leeds for many years, I recognise the role anchor institutions play in the county and the responsibility we have to invest, connect and inspire. As I join the Board, I will draw on my experience of strategic and values-led leadership to help the Club shape its future.”
Kate Nicholls OBE said: “As a lifelong cricket fan returning home to live in Yorkshire, I’m proud to be joining the Board. My background in the leisure and hospitality industries will help me advise the Club as it develops world-class facilities and experiences for members, spectators, players and visitors. I’m also keen to support the Club in its commitment to serve communities and ensure those who come through the pathway reflect the diversity of the county.”
Subject to confirmation of the appointments of Patterson, Birch and Nicholls at the Club’s next AGM, Yorkshire Cricket’s Board comprises the following:
- Colin Graves CBE – Chair
- Ian Townsend – Member-nominated non-executive director and deputy chair
- Sanjay Patel MBE – Group CEO
- Sanjeev Gandhi – Non-executive director
- Katherine Sciver-Brunt OBE – Non-executive director
- Jane Ellison – Non-executive director
- Karen Birch – Non-executive director
- Kate Nicholls OBE – Non-executive director
- Steven Patterson – Non-executive director
