Club Statement

• 01/02/2012

Warwickshire County Cricket Club Commercial Director James McLaughlin has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of Cure Leukaemia – one of the Club’s main charitable partners – following almost six years at Edgbaston.

Commenting on the news Chief Executive, Colin Povey said: “James has made a major contribution to the development of our commercial activities over recent seasons. Whilst I am disappointed to be losing him from my team I am delighted he is moving to this new position with Cure Leukaemia at what is an exciting time for the charity. I am sure we will continue to see plenty of him as we further develop our partnership with Cure Leukaemia over the coming years.

“James made a significant contribution to the Club and will be remembered for delivering record crowds for the India Test Match last summer and before that the Ashes Test Match in 2009. In addition he has been instrumental in creating a raft of commercial partnerships and lasting sponsorship deals for the Club.”

James has had overall responsibility for all commercial matters during his time at Edgbaston, leading the team to multiple industry awards, including Best Integrated International Marketing Campaign and Best Use of Digital Media at ECB Annual Business in Cricket Awards 2011.

James said: “I am excited and honoured to be appointed as the new Chief Executive of Cure Leukaemia. Having worked with the charity in a professional and voluntary capacity for a number of years, it’s an extremely worthy cause that’s very close to my heart and I look forward to working with the team.

“The charity’s pioneering work is giving hope to so many leukaemia patients across the Midlands by making new lifesaving treatments available. However, with more funding there is great scope to expand its reach across the whole of the country.”

In addition the Club has confirmed that Phil Macdonald, Project Director responsible for the recent £32m redevelopment of Edgbaston will also depart in April having now completed the task of transforming the ground.

Phil has been with the Club for over 20 years in a variety of roles and has been instrumental in delivering some major capital projects. In addition to the most recent and largest project he also oversaw the building of the Eric Hollies Stand and the Edgbaston Cricket Centre.

Phil commented: “With the completion of the stadium elements of the Master Plan, my role has come to a natural conclusion and I wish to find another substantial capital project for my next challenge rather than return to an operational role.

“I am exceptionally proud of the role I have played in re-establishing Edgbaston as one of the great stadiums in world cricket and hopefully my work will be around for many years to come so that future generations of fans can enjoy the wonderful atmosphere created by Major Matches in the City.”

Colin Povey added: “Quite simply without Phil’s contribution we would not have delivered the redevelopment on time and below budget. He has done an outstanding job.”

It is not the Club’s intention to replace Phil’s role now the stadium redevelopment has been completed but a successor to James’s role will be announced in due course.