Warner is new man at helm of Sussex Cricket

His appointment follows a comprehensive recruitment process led by a specialist sports executive search firm.

It comes after Sussex have run into major financial problems which has led to the ECB stepping in to control to spending and imposing points deductuons which have proved a major setback to the current campaign.

Sussex say Warner brings an exceptional combination of business leadership, strategic judgement and experience at the highest levels of sport, which the board believes makes him ideally placed to lead Sussex Cricket into its next phase.

Warner has more than two decades of leadership experience across business and sport. He spent ten years as Chair of UK Athletics, leading the organisation through the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the 2017 World Athletics and World Para Athletics Championships in London.

He also leads GB Wheelchair Rugby and previously chaired the Palace for Life Foundation, the charitable arm of Crystal Palace Football Club.

Alongside his sporting leadership, Warner has enjoyed a distinguished business career, including serving as the first independent Chair of Grant Thornton UK LLP. He is also chair of two FTSE 250 investment companies.

A Sussex resident since 1999, he succeeds Sir Rod Aldridge, President of Sussex Cricket, who has served as Interim Chair in recent months.

Sir Rod said: "Following a thorough and highly competitive recruitment process, we are delighted to appoint Ed as Chair of Sussex Cricket.

"Ed emerged as the outstanding candidate. He combines exceptional business leadership with a proven track record in sports governance and has successfully led complex organisations through periods of change. Just as importantly, he shares our belief in Sussex Cricket's future and our ambition to build a stronger, more sustainable club.

"The Board is confident we have appointed the right person. Ed will bring leadership, integrity, commercial experience and a genuine passion for helping Sussex Cricket realise its full potential."

Warner said: "It is a privilege to be appointed Chair of Sussex Cricket at such an important moment for the club. I recognise there are challenges ahead, but I also see a tremendous opportunity to build on Sussex's many strengths and help shape a successful future.

"Having lived in Sussex for many years, I've admired the club from close quarters and have long believed it has the foundations to achieve even more. The opportunity to work with so many passionate people across the Club and the wider game is what attracted me to this role.

"I want to be an advocate for Sussex Cricket and a strong voice for the club within the game. My role is to help create the environment in which our players, staff and volunteers can succeed, our members and fans can feel proud of the club they support, and where we continue building a successful and financially sustainable future together."

Warner was awarded an OBE in 2012 for services to British athletics. He was beginning his Sussex tenure by meeting staff, players and members at Hove on Friday ahead of the club's men's and women's Vitality Blast fixtures.