Notts County Cricket Club Appoints Former Everton Executive as New CEO
In a strategic leadership move, Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club has appointed Richard Kenyon—formerly of Premier League giants Everton FC—as its new Chief Executive. Kenyon steps into the role following the departure of long-serving executive Lisa Pursehouse, as the club finalizes a pivotal commercial agreement with The Hundred franchise Trent Rockets .
A Cross-Sport Leadership Shift
Kenyon’s appointment marks a significant crossover from football to cricket, bringing with him over two decades of experience in sports management, commercial strategy, and fan engagement from his tenure at Everton, where he served as Chief Operating Officer.
Why Kenyon? Key Qualifications
- Commercial Growth: Spearheaded Everton’s stadium redevelopment and global partnership deals.
- Stadium Operations: Deep expertise in managing large-scale matchday experiences.
- Digital Innovation: Led fan-first digital transformation initiatives at Everton.
- Community Engagement: Championed grassroots outreach programs in Liverpool.
Leadership Transition at Notts
| Role | Outgoing | Incoming | Key Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executive | Lisa Pursehouse | Richard Kenyon | Pursehouse served over 15 years; oversaw Notts’ rise in domestic cricket and early Trent Rockets integration. |
| Strategic Focus | Stability & Tradition | Commercial Expansion & Innovation | New CEO to drive Trent Rockets synergy and venue monetization at Trent Bridge. |
The Trent Rockets Factor
Kenyon’s arrival coincides with the finalization of a long-negotiated operational and revenue-sharing deal between Nottinghamshire CCC and Trent Rockets—the men’s and women’s Hundred teams based at Trent Bridge. The agreement is expected to unlock new investment in facilities, youth pathways, and women’s cricket .
“Richard’s track record in building sustainable, fan-focused sports ecosystems makes him the ideal leader for our next chapter,” said Notts Chairman John Beeden .
What’s Next for Notts?
Under Kenyon’s leadership, the club aims to:
- Enhance Trent Bridge as a year-round entertainment destination;
- Deepen integration between county cricket and The Hundred;
- Expand women’s and disability cricket programs;
- Boost digital fan engagement across global markets.
[INTERNAL_LINK:Nottinghamshire CCC] | [INTERNAL_LINK:The Hundred]