Sussex appoint ex-athletics chief Warner as chair
Warner led UK Athletics through the 2012 Olympics and the 2017 World Athletics and World Para Athletics Championships, both in London
- Published
Sussex have appointed former chair of UK Athletics, Ed Warner, as their new club chairman.
He succeeds Sir Rod Aldridge, president of Sussex Cricket, who has been interim chair since February after Jon Filby stepped down in the wake of the county's financial difficulties.
Warner spent 10 years as chair of UK Athletics, leading the organisation through the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the 2017 World Athletics and World Para Athletics Championships, which were both held in London.
The Sussex resident also leads GB Wheelchair Rugby and previously chaired the Palace for Life Foundation, the charitable arm of Crystal Palace Football Club.
Sussex are facing a series of challenges following losses of £1.3m in 2025.
The club's books are under strict control by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), including operating under a salary cap for the next three years.
They were also given points deductions in the County Championship, T20 Blast and One-Day Cup.
The south coast club will see a significant cut to their playing budget at the end of the season, with young fast bowler Henry Crocombe already confirmed to be joining Surrey in 2027.
Promotion-winning head coach Paul Farbrace is also stepping down at the end of the current campaign, but may stay on in a part-time director of cricket role.
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Warner told the club website, external it was a privilege to be joining Sussex at "such an important moment for the club".
"I recognise there are challenges ahead, but I also see a tremendous opportunity to build on Sussex's many strengths and help shape a successful future," he said.
"I want to be an advocate for Sussex Cricket and a strong voice for the club within the game.
"My role is to help create the environment in which our players, staff and volunteers can succeed, our members and fans can feel proud of the Club they support, and where we continue building a successful and financially sustainable future together."
Club president Aldridge added: "He (Warner) combines exceptional business leadership with a proven track record in sports governance and has successfully led complex organisations through periods of change.
"Just as importantly, he shares our belief in Sussex Cricket's future and our ambition to build a stronger, more sustainable club.
"The board is confident we have appointed the right person. Ed will bring leadership, integrity, commercial experience and a genuine passion for helping Sussex Cricket realise its full potential."