Veteran Essex Chief Executive John Stephenson Steps Down Amidst Financial Challenges
Published: July 8, 2024 | Updated: July 8, 2024
In a move that reflects the deepening financial crisis facing non-Test-match county clubs, veteran administrator John Stephenson has stepped down as the Chief Executive of Essex County Cricket Club. The 59-year-old, who represented the club in 191 first-class matches between 1985 and 2004, will leave his role with immediate effect, though he will remain on the board until the end of the season.
Essex chair Anu Mohindru confirmed that Stephenson’s departure was not a result of the recent allegations of racist language and conduct at the club between 2001 and 2010, which the club was charged over last month. Instead, Mohindru stated that the financial plight precipitated by these historical issues ultimately persuaded Stephenson to step down from the leadership position he had held for the past three years.
“He has shown outstanding leadership in guiding Essex through the last three years, and we are extremely sad to see him step down but we respect his reasons,” said Mohindru. “These have been difficult times for the club in facing historical allegations of racism, but we were extremely fortunate to have John as CEO. He was prepared to tackle the allegations head on, and in doing so demonstrated resolve, wisdom, fairness and integrity.”
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is said to have been impressed with Stephenson’s handling of the racism crisis at Essex. In the interim, control of the club’s day-to-day operations will pass to Dan Feist, the club’s cricket operations director.
The departure of Stephenson is the latest sign of the financial pressures facing non-Test-match county clubs, with the 100-ball cricket schedule, 100-ball cricket live, backyard cricket, blind cricket, and club cricket all struggling to maintain their viability in the current economic climate.
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