Richard Gould steps down as Surrey CCC to take chief executive role at Bristol City

Richard Gould is stepping down as Surrey  County Cricket Club chief executive – to take up the same position at EFL Championship side Bristol City.

Gould joined Surrey CCC in 2011. Charlie Hodgson, managing director of The Kia Oval, will step up to interim chief executive.

Under Gould’s leadership, the business side of Surrey CCC has been transformed, with the club delivering record profits for the 2019-20 financial year, the last before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Gould also helped deliver two major improvements to The Kia Oval – the new Peter May Stand and the soon to be completed One Oval Square – regular sell-out crowds for the Vitality Blast and leaves his role with 13,500 members now part of Surrey CCC, a record in the modern age.

As CEO, Surrey won the County Championship in 2018 and numerous players have graduated from the Surrey academy to launch successful first-class careers, with many also going ont o represent England, including club captain Rory Burns and World Cup winners Jason Roy, Natalie Sciver and Tom Curran.

Gould said: “It has been an absolute honour to lead Surrey County Cricket Club for the past decade. It will always be a part of my life and I would like to thank our staff, players and members for their hard work, wonderful support and good humour throughout.

“As the world of sport continues to evolve, Surrey CCC and The Kia Oval represent something very special indeed and I very much look forward to watching the club’s continued growth over years to come.”

Richard Thompson, Surrey County Cricket Club chairman, added: “Richard has been an exceptional CEO of Surrey CCC over a 10-year period, always prepared to speak his mind, with great clarity, honesty and always integrity. Richard should be proud of his legacy and know that he will always be a valued friend to the club that he has contributed so much to in so many ways.”