Essex County Cricket Club is delighted to announce David Acfield as the Club’s new President, taking over the role from the late Doug Insole CBE.
Acfield has been actively involved with the Club for over 50 years, with his playing career at Essex spanning from 1966-86, in which he made over 400 First Class appearances.
During that time, he took 950 wickets and was a member of the team which won four County Championships in the late 70s and early 80s.
Furthermore, he has been Deputy Chairman, Chairman and Treasurer of the Club, as well as chairing the Essex County Cricket Board for its first 18 years.
The 70-year-old paid tribute to his predecessor upon hearing the news and said: “It will not be easy stepping into Doug’s shoes, but he was a great personal friend and mentor.
“Since most of my roles in cricket came about as a result of his recommendations, I think he would have approved the Committee’s choice of his successor!
“I will do my best to fulfil my duties as he would have wanted, and continue to help take this Club forward.”
Acfield has also been Chairman of the TCCB Cricket Committee which later became the ECB Committee, and also served on the MCC Cricket & Finance Committees and the ICC Cricket & Development Committees.
He has chaired many working groups across all aspects of the game, including the panel which introduced 20-over cricket to the County programme, and ultimately World cricket.
Essex County Cricket Club Chairman, John Faragher, believes Acfield is fully deserving of the honour and added: “David is the ideal person to step into the role of President.
“He brings a wide range of skills to the position, gained from his time as a player, and administrator within the game, having held senior positions within the TCCB and more recently the ECB.
“As a previous Club Chairman and Treasurer, he will be an invaluable asset as the Club continues on its journey of continuous improvement.”
Subsequently, Committee Member Ian Patterson will step into the role of Club Treasurer.
Ian was elected on to the Committee as a Co-opted Member in 2016 and has a background in financial services, having worked in investment banking for over 30 years.
He has extensive experience in all aspects of the Financial Services industry through a number roles at Deutsche Bank, which culminated in his role as Global Chief Operating Officer.
Ian brings a wealth of knowledge in finance, planning, strategy, technology & infrastructure, governance & control and regulatory affairs which will be a great asset to the Club.
Chairman, John Faragher, was equally pleased to see Patterson become Treasurer and added: “We are pleased that Ian has agreed to take on the role of Club Treasurer.
“His extensive knowledge of financial services will help to ensure that the financial security and stability of Essex Cricket continues to be in place to support our ongoing business plans.”
