WORCESTERSHIRE CCC are on the lookout for a new chair after Fanos Hira announced his decision to retire following five years in the role.
Fanos joined a subgroup of the board in 2014 and the main board in 2016, becoming chair in 2018.
Over this period, the club has enjoyed significant on-field success, winning the Vitality Blast in 2018, runner-up in 2019 and promotion to Division One this season.
Hira’s roles within cricket extended to membership of the Representative Board of 18 First Class Counties and the MCC and the role of Observer on the ECB Main Board. Earlier this year, he produced the Financial Review of ECB Finances.
Hira said of this time at Worcestershire:
“It’s been an honour to be involved so closely with Worcestershire over such a long period. I am grateful to all staff, coaches, and players for their tireless efforts.
“There have been many highlights for me, but this season, it has been particularly pleasing to see the immediate progress in white ball and red ball cricket under the leadership of the Club’s coaching and management team.
“I wish everyone associated with Worcestershire all the very best for the future, and I look forward to watching the team continue to entertain and compete in the coming years.”
The Club will soon initiate an open process to appoint a new chair.
Paul Pridgeon, Vice Chair of Worcestershire, added:
“His efforts and commitment, as a volunteer, have been tireless over the years. Fanos has guided the Club through very tough times, including substantial governance reform, the challenging Covid years, and the recent cost-of-living crisis, and his impact on the Club cannot be underestimated.
“It is fitting that he has retired as we achieve Division One status, which was always his hope for our Club.
“I wish him all the very best for the future and thank him for his efforts and considerable achievements over the last decade.
“On behalf of the board, I am pleased to recommend that he is awarded Honorary Life Membership, subject to ratification at the next AGM.”