A new era dawns at Trent Bridge as Richard Kenyon, leveraging a decade of commercial acumen from Everton FC, takes the helm of Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club amidst a Championship triumph and a transformative investment in The Hundred.
The hallowed grounds of Trent Bridge, still buzzing with the recent echoes of a County Championship victory, are set to welcome a new architect of destiny. Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club, riding high on its first Championship title since 2010, has officially announced the appointment of Richard Kenyon as its new Chief Executive. This isn`t merely a change in leadership; it`s a strategic pivot, timed impeccably with the club`s on-field success and an impending, significant stake in the high-stakes world of The Hundred.
From Goodison to Trent Bridge: A New Pitch for Commercial Vision
Kenyon arrives at Nottinghamshire following a distinguished decade-long tenure at Everton Football Club, where he was instrumental in various marketing, communications, and ultimately, chief commercial and communications roles. His impressive CV also includes a stint as chief executive of Everton in the Community, showcasing a robust blend of commercial prowess and social responsibility. Crucially, he played an “instrumental role” in Everton`s monumental move from Goodison Park to the new Hill Dickinson Stadium – a testament to his ability to navigate complex, large-scale infrastructure projects and high-value stakeholder engagements.
The transition from the fervent roar of a Premier League football stadium to the more nuanced, yet equally passionate, atmosphere of a county cricket ground might seem an unconventional leap to some. However, the modern sporting landscape demands more than just on-field performance. It requires astute commercial strategies, sophisticated brand development, and the capacity to manage multi-million-pound ventures. Kenyon’s background positions him as a prime candidate to usher Nottinghamshire into an era where cherished traditional sporting values meet contemporary business demands.
A Legacy Handover and a Championship Glow
Kenyon steps into shoes left by the long-serving Lisa Pursehouse, who, after 14 seasons at the helm, departs on the highest possible note: witnessing Nottinghamshire clinch the County Championship title. Her departure, coinciding with such a triumph, provides a powerful narrative of a successful handover. It’s a bit like a seasoned captain steering the ship through stormy seas, delivering it safely to harbor, and then passing the compass to a new, commercially adept navigator just as a new, potentially lucrative trade route is discovered.
The Hundred, The Millions, and the Future of Trent Rockets
Perhaps the most significant aspect of Kenyon`s appointment, beyond the immediate managerial transition, is its impeccable timing. Nottinghamshire is on the cusp of finalizing a colossal £40 million deal with Cain International and Ares Management, which will see the club assume operational control of Trent Rockets in The Hundred. Nottinghamshire will retain a 51% controlling stake in this new joint venture, making it a pivotal commercial enterprise for the club.
This isn`t merely about cricket; it`s about business at the highest echelons of the sport. The Hundred, with its flashy format and ambitious commercial goals, requires a Chief Executive with a keen eye for market positioning, brand maximization, and strategic partnerships. Kenyon`s experience in global brand development and major infrastructure projects at Everton directly translates to this challenge. His arrival signals Nottinghamshire’s serious intent to not only compete but to lead in the evolving commercial landscape of English cricket.
Andy Hunt, Nottinghamshire`s Chair, aptly summarized the club`s rationale: “His leadership at Everton spanned critical areas including commercial strategy, global brand development, major infrastructure projects, and multi-stakeholder consultation – all directly relevant to the current and future ambitions of our club.”
This statement leaves little doubt about the club`s expectations. Kenyon isn`t just managing a cricket club; he`s tasked with strategically growing a multi-faceted sports enterprise that balances tradition with modern commercial imperatives.
A Broader Trend: Cricket`s Executive Evolution
Nottinghamshire`s leadership change is not an isolated incident. The 2025-26 winter sees a noticeable churn in chief executive positions across several counties. From Leicestershire appointing Emma White (with experience in rugby union and horse racing) to interim changes at Kent and the departure of Sussex`s Pete Fitzboyden for personal reasons, there`s a clear pattern emerging. This suggests a collective recognition within county cricket of the imperative for fresh perspectives, diverse skill sets, and a robust commercial approach to navigate the complexities and opportunities of modern sports administration.
As Michael Temple steps in as interim CEO before Kenyon`s official start in December, the stage is set for a period of significant transformation at Trent Bridge. Richard Kenyon`s journey from the demanding commercial arenas of Premier League football to the strategic challenges of county cricket and The Hundred embodies the dynamic evolution of sports management. It’s a move that promises not just continuity of on-field success, but an ambitious push towards commercial innovation and a reinforced, future-proofed legacy for Nottinghamshire`s proud cricketing tradition.
