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A Historic Milestone for Essex Cricket
In a landmark development for one of England’s most historic cricketing institutions, Rachel Lewis appointed as first female chair of Essex. This appointment comes as the club celebrates its 150th year, marking not only a significant shift in governance but also a progressive step toward the future of the sport. Lewis, who brings a wealth of experience from her background as a former Team GB volleyball player, steps into the role with a clear mandate to steer the club through a period of modernization and sustained success.
Transitioning to New Leadership
Rachel Lewis is no stranger to the inner workings of the club. Having served as the chair of Essex Cricket in the Community for the past three years, she has already demonstrated a deep commitment to the region’s sporting development. She succeeds Jason Gallian, who had been serving in an interim capacity since September 2025. Gallian stepped into the role following the resignation of Anu Mohindru, whose departure was prompted by allegations regarding inaccuracies on his professional CV. This transition marks the fifth time in five years that the club has appointed a new chair, reflecting a turbulent recent history that the board is now keen to put behind them.
A Vision for the Future
Reflecting on her appointment, Lewis expressed a profound sense of responsibility and excitement. “It is an immense honour to be appointed Chair of Essex County Cricket Club, particularly in this, our 150th year,” she noted. She emphasized the importance of the club’s heritage while pivoting toward future growth. Key priorities for her tenure include overseeing the significant redevelopment of the club’s ground and maintaining the competitive edge of both the men’s and women’s squads at the highest levels of the domestic game. Her perspective, shaped by her time as an elite Olympian, is expected to bring a disciplined, performance-oriented focus to the boardroom.
Strengthening Governance and Strategy
To support this transition, the board has also moved to bolster its structural expertise. Jamas Hodivala KC has been named as the new Deputy Chair, a move intended to infuse the leadership team with additional legal and governance oversight. Meanwhile, Jason Gallian and Vicky Ford will continue their contributions as board members, ensuring a degree of continuity during this handover period. This collaborative approach is designed to foster stability following years of frequent leadership changes.
Support from the Top
The appointment has been met with widespread optimism from key figures within the organization. Dan Feist, Chief Executive of Essex Cricket, described the moment as a “historic day.” He highlighted that Lewis’s proven leadership in the community sector, combined with her athletic pedigree, makes her uniquely qualified to guide the club. “We are exceptionally well placed to move forward strongly, with a united Board focused on delivering success on and off the pitch,” Feist added.
Club President John Lever MBE echoed these sentiments, noting that the appointment serves as a fitting highlight for the club’s sesquicentennial year. “During a year of celebration, it is exciting to announce the first female Chair in the Club’s history,” Lever stated. “It is a hugely positive announcement, and I look forward to supporting the Board and Rachel in our future success.”
Looking Ahead
As Essex Cricket looks toward the next chapter, the appointment of Rachel Lewis stands as a testament to the club’s willingness to evolve. By prioritizing leadership experience and community engagement, the club hopes to stabilize its operations and provide a platform for players and staff to excel. With the ongoing stadium redevelopment project and a renewed sense of institutional unity, the path forward under Lewis’s leadership appears both ambitious and well-defined. The cricket community will certainly be watching with interest to see how this new era unfolds.