Ron Kalifa, a financial and digital specialist, has joined the ECB board as an independent non-executive director, while current incumbents Lucy Pearson and Martin Darlow have been re-appointed for additional two-and-a-half-year term.

Kalifa, who currently sits on the board of the Hundred, is also a member of the ECB's Audit and Risk Committee. His CV includes a ten-year stint as CEO of Worldpay, the technology payments company, while he has also served as Chair of Network International, a FTSE company, and of FutureLearn.

In June 2019, he was appointed to the Court of Directors of the Bank of England, and he is also a member of the Council of Imperial College, London, and a Non-Executive Director for Transport for London.

"After a rigorous selection process, which involved a number of extremely high-calibre individuals, the Nominations Committee was unanimous in its view that Ron Kalifa was the outstanding candidate," Ian Watmore, the ECB chairman, said. "Ron brings extraordinary experience from his working life that will complement the skills of our existing board members."

"What really impressed us was his articulation of the importance of cricket as a force for good in our communities, alongside the need to create heroes to ensure that both the county and international teams continue to thrive. These are both priorities for ECB over the coming years and common themes that run throughout our strategic plan, Inspiring Generations. He will be a wonderful addition to our board."

The ECB Nominations Committee also unanimously recommended the reappointments of Darlow, a former police detective who has served as CEO of Bedfordshire Cricket, and Pearson, the former England cricketer and head teacher.

"Both Lucy and Martin have been excellent board members and add a real depth of knowledge and understanding, not just around cricket but across a much broader spectrum," Watmore said. "They both care passionately about the game and will continue to make a fantastic contribution to our Board."