Sussex Cricket Strengthens Board with Five New Non-Executive Directors

Former Sussex Women’s captains Alison Bruce and Holly Colvin join BBC editor Callum May, Sussex Cricket League Vice-Chair Mark Jeffries and sports events expert Paul Farris as new Non-Executive Directors of Sussex Cricket.

Sussex Cricket Limited’s Board of Directors propose the appointment of five new Non-Executive Directors. Alison Bruce, Holly Colvin, Paul Farris, Mark Jeffries and Callum May will join the Board on initial terms of three years, with the appointments being subject to ratification by members at the next AGM in March.

Collectively, the new Directors bring expertise in communications, insight and analysis, facilities management and the delivery of sporting events, complemented by deep knowledge of both community and elite cricket and strong connections across the County. Their appointments will further strengthen the organisation’s leadership credentials, broaden representation and enhance its ability to provide effective governance, strategic oversight and long-term stewardship of the Club.

Ed Warner, Sussex Cricket Chair said: “I am delighted to welcome Alison, Holly, Paul, Mark and Callum to the Board of Sussex Cricket. They join us at a pivotal time and bring valuable experience, fresh perspectives and a shared commitment to the game and our communities.

These appointments strengthen our capability as a Board to guide and challenge the executive team and mark an important step in our continued refresh. There is much to do and much also to look forward to as we work to ensure a bright future for cricket across Sussex.”

Alison Bruce brings more than 30 years of cricketing and governance experience, having held roles across club, county and national cricket. A Vice-President of Sussex Cricket and Professor of Physics at the University of Brighton, she combines deep knowledge of the game with significant leadership, research and analytical expertise.

Holly Colvin is a former Sussex and England cricketer. Across an eight-year international career, she became the world’s No. 1 bowler, represented England in all formats and won two World Cups. Since retiring, Holly has built a career at the heart of international sport with roles at the International Cricket Council, Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and now serving as a Major Events Advisor at UK Sport.

Paul Farris has more than 25 years of leadership experience across the events, communications, sports and entertainment sectors. An entrepreneur, consultant and cricket coach, he combines commercial expertise with a strong commitment to grassroots sport and community engagement.

Mark Jeffries brings extensive experience in project management and is a qualified health and safety professional. A Sussex-based business owner and former Sussex Young Cricketers Vice-Captain, he combines significant commercial awareness with a long-standing commitment to recreational cricket administration across the County. Mark is Vice Chair of the Dean Wilson Sussex Cricket League, is the lead liaison with the ECB for the recreational game and is a Board Director at Arundel Castle Cricket Club.

Callum May has more than 20 years of experience in broadcast journalism and media leadership. A BBC news desk editor and long-standing Sussex Cricket member, he combines communications expertise with a lifelong connection to the Club.

Our new Directors bring fresh perspectives and a breadth of experience that will further strengthen the Board's ability to guide Sussex Cricket through its next chapter. Together, the Board will build on Sussex’s proud heritage, help to ensure we remain a thriving and influential force in cricket and create lasting value for members, communities and the game across Sussex. Although their paths to the Board have been different, each was inspired by the opportunity to contribute to the future of Sussex Cricket. Reflecting on their appointments, they shared the following thoughts:

Alison Bruce said: "I am proud to join the Sussex Cricket Board at a time when strong governance is vital to stabilising our future. Bringing a quantitative background and analytical rigour to our oversight, my focus will be on working collaboratively to safeguard the long-term health of the game in Sussex in all its guises."

Holly Colvin said: “I’m proud to be joining the Board of Sussex Cricket, the club that played such an important role in shaping both my cricketing and professional career. Sussex helped develop me as a player and as a leader, and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to give something back. Drawing on my experience in international cricket, governance and major events, I look forward to supporting the club’s long-term success, strengthening its impact in local communities, and helping cricket thrive across Sussex.”

Paul Farris said: "As a lifelong Sussex supporter, it is a privilege to join the Board at such a critical juncture for the Club. I am also committed to carefully evaluating how we may best adapt and utilise our historic ground at Hove to secure the Club's long-term future, while respecting its heritage."

Mark Jeffries said: “Sussex cricket has been part of my life since my junior days at Shoreham CC, and I’m proud to be joining the Board. Through my work with the Sussex Cricket League and at Arundel, I’ve seen first-hand the commitment of the clubs and the volunteers across the county. I will bring that understanding, and my experience outside the game, to help Sussex Cricket build a strong, sustainable future, from grassroots clubs to the County Ground"

Callum May said: "I'm very proud to join the Board. I first came to the County Ground for indoor net practice with my club aged 11, became a member at aged 12 and even worked for a couple of happy summers operating the main scoreboard. I’m looking forward to helping Sussex Cricket revitalise and putting it on a path to further success."

Subject to confirmation of the appointments of Alison, Holly, Paul, Mark and Callum at the Club’s next AGM, Sussex Cricket’s Board comprises the following:

· Ed Warner – Appointed Director, Chair

· Jayne Haines – Appointed Director and Vice Chair

· Jon Saunders – Honorary Director, Chair of Audit & Risk

· Chris Goodman – Appointed Director

· Russell Wood – Co-Opted Director

· Angela Arnold – Individual Member Director

· Callum May – Individual Member Director

· Alison Bruce - Individual Member Director

· Holly Colvin - Individual Member Director

· Paul Farris – Affiliated Club Director

· Mark Jeffries - Affiliated Club Director

· Alex Paterson – Acting Chief Executive