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Gloucestershire appoints new Chair and Elected Member to Executive Board

27 August 2024

Gloucestershire Cricket is delighted to announce the appointment of a new Chair and Elected Member to the Executive Board.

Following a rigorous and robust recruitment process, Life Member and Gloucestershire fan of more than 50 years, Peter Matthews, has been appointed as Chair. Kerry Lock, meanwhile, who is a current playing member of Gloucestershire over 50s and a lifelong fan of the Club, has been voted in as an Elected Board Member following an independent voting process.

Gloucestershire born and bred, Peter joins the Club’s Board having enjoyed a successful career in business and has a track record of running businesses with turnovers of hundreds of millions of pounds. A Gloucestershire Cricket fan since 1972, Peter is also experienced in working with senior clients and CEOs to deliver strategy and personal coaching.

In addition to his achievements in business, Peter is a qualified CEO coach with Meyletr Campbell and having held senior managing partner positions, has significant experience in providing strong commercial input into organisational strategy. In accepting the position, Peter becomes first Chair in the Club’s history to be appointed from outside the Club’s existing committee structure.

Commenting on his appointment as Chair, Peter said: “I am humbled and honoured to be asked to Chair the County of which I am a Life Member, and one which I have watched and supported for over 50 years. I look forward to meeting many Members and supporters in the weeks and months to come and am excited for what the future holds.

“My short-term priorities are threefold. Firstly, to build relationships with all the different stakeholders involved in the club but particularly the Members who I now represent. Secondly, to work with the board and the executive team to continue to restore the financial health of the club and thirdly, to work with all parties on a four-year plan for the Club.

“'In talking over the role I would also like to thank Steve Nelson for stepping in at a difficult time as Acting Chair and giving real selfless service to the county. Steve has done a terrific job and we should all thank him for his efforts.”

Commenting on the appointment of Peter and Kerry, Board Member at Gloucestershire, Prof. Adeela Shafi MBE, said: “The Board are delighted to have appointed Peter Matthews as the new Chair of Gloucestershire Cricket. From a strong field of candidates, Peter stood out for his exceptional leadership and communication skills as well as his passion and commitment to the Club.

“Peter demonstrated an absolute drive to do what needs doing to take the Club into financial sustainability, success on the field, develop our girls and boys pathways and to be a thriving hub for all the diverse communities across Gloucestershire. 

“We are also pleased to announce that Kerry Lock has been elected by the Membership to join the Board and we look forward to welcoming him to the next Board meeting.”

Kerry joins Gloucestershire having recently retired from his role as Director of Finance and Operations at Aardman. During a 27-year career at the famous Bristol-based animation studio, Kerry oversaw not only finance but business & legal affairs, estates & facilities, HR, IT and Tech during his tenure.

A current playing member of the MCC alongside Gloucestershire Over 50s, Kerry is also the current Honorary Treasurer of the SS Great Britain Trust and has sat on a number of other Boards in a non-executive or trustee capacity, including the Aardman Employee Ownership Trust from its inception.  

During his career in film and TV, Kerry has a number of Co-Executive Producer credits to his name and is excited to combine his work experience with his passion for the game throughout his time on the Executive Board.

Speaking passionately about his appointment, Kerry said: “I am pleasantly surprised and excited to be joining the Board. A big thank you to all the Members who voted for me, particularly those who didn't know me and made their judgements based on a few paragraphs. I look forward to getting stuck-in and working with the Members, Board, management and employees to review, shape and implement plans for a sustainable, prosperous and glorious future for the Club.”

The appointments of Peter and Kerry to their positions mean Acting Chair, Steve Nelson, will step down from the Board after more than five years of dedicated service to Gloucestershire Cricket. Everyone at the Club would like to thank Steve for his hard work and commitment, and wishes him well for the future.

Reflecting on his time at Gloucestershire, Steve said: “I am pleased the Club is now able to announce Peter as the new Chair and I wish him the very best of luck.

“I felt it was important during this period since April, for all our stakeholders to see what an amazing Board we have. I cannot speak highly enough of my Board colleagues who have stepped in and have stood up to the challenges and opportunities in front of us, dealing with the short term, but always thinking about what is best for this Club in the long term.

“I always knew we had a great staff team at Gloucestershire and the last few months have confirmed it. While dealing with the day to day of running a cricket club, a gym, catering and events venue, grounds staff team and a professional cricket team, they have rallied together to support the Club as we have dealt with significant leadership changes that have added to the pressures across the whole team. I am grateful to Interim CEO, Neil Priscott, for his focus and ability to bring the team together at a time of challenge and change.

“We have done our upmost to ensure that the team on the pitch were unaffected by Board and leadership changes and in Mark Alleyne, we have a great coach and leader, and there are many positive performances to point to already this season. Long may this continue.

“I am forever a fan of Gloucestershire and look forward to watching the Club go from strength to strength in the coming months and years in all formats, men, and women’s cricket.”

GCCC Board Member Adeela Shafi outlines the recruitment process of Club's new Chair

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