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Harry Chathley has been confirmed as Yorkshire’s new leader, after a long search for a successor to Lord Kamlesh Patel, who resigned in March.
Chatley, 58, will take over as interim chairman of the club, Baroness Tani Gray Thompson, after an extraordinary general meeting, having joined the Yorkshire board as a non-executive director in June. He will serve for three years.
“It is an honor and a privilege to be appointed president of one of the most famous clubs,” Chathly said. “Cricket is at a turning point with unprecedented growth reaching new audiences attracted to a variety of formats. Yorkshire have played their part in this growth within men’s cricket and have also been at the forefront of developing women’s cricket in the country. I am also proud of the fact that we are championing Disability and LGBTQ+ club in cricket.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Tani for her excellent management of the club during a very difficult period this year.”
It is hoped that Chathly’s appointment will put an end to this turbulent period that Yorkshire is experiencing, in the wake of the racism crisis that struck the club, following Azim Rafiq’s revelation of his treatment during his playing days.
Earlier this year, Yorkshire pleaded guilty to four amended charges of bringing the game into disrepute and were fined £400,000, plus a points deduction in the County Championship and other domestic competitions, over their mishandling of Rafiq’s case.
Lord Patel, Chathley’s predecessor as full-time chairman, was appointed to the role in November 2021 at the height of the crisis, which included the suspension of Headingley’s hosting rights for major matches, and the loss of a host of major sponsors including Emerald, Yorkshire Tea and Nike.
Patel also agreed to sack 16 members of Yorkshire’s coaching staff and coaching staff in a bid to create a “progressive and inclusive culture”. This decision was later found to have been “procedurally unfair”, with Yorkshire being asked to allocate £1.9 million towards compensation and legal affairs.
Chatley, whose daughter Keira plays for the South East Stars and was part of the Oval Invincibles side that won the 2022 Hundred, is a highly regarded business leader, international capital markets expert, with a 25-year track record of providing advice. Companies, international organizations and government agencies.
Stephen Vaughan, Yorkshire’s chief executive, said: “We are delighted to welcome Harry to the board and as Chairman of Yorkshire County Cricket Club. Harry has strong business acumen and experience, and I am sure this positive influence will benefit Yorkshire County Cricket Club.” And the Yorkshire family as a whole.
“The Board looks forward to working with Harry and we are collectively committed to achieving the long-term success that YCCC members deserve.”
