Graham Walker

Rod Bransgrove, Chairman of Hampshire County Cricket Club, today announced the appointment of Graham Walker as the Club's new Chief Executive, effective as from 1 November 2001.

Walker, will succeed Tony Baker, who recently announced his intention to retire at the end of the current cricket season. Baker will then take up a part-time role concentrating on cricketing issues at the Club.

Bransgrove, when making the announcement, said; "I am looking forward to working closely together with Graham as we move towards achieving our shared vision of hosting International cricket at the Rose Bowl."

He further commented; "Graham brings to Hampshire Cricket a wealth of experience in the management and marketing of professional sport…he was previously Commercial & Marketing Director of the new Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, where he was responsible for generating over £50 million in new funds towards the cost of construction."

Walker began his career in the sports business in 1981, when he was appointed as the Football League's first ever Marketing Manager. He introduced commercial sponsorship into the world of football and has worked together with many of the major sponsors including Bass, Coca-Cola and Nationwide. More recently Walker was Chief Executive of the North West's only Premier Rugby Club – The Sale Sharks.

Commenting on his appointment to his new role at West End, Walker said: "Our mission at the Rose Bowl is to create the region's finest leasure village, providing excellent sports and leisure facilities for the entire community all day, every day."

He went on to say; "Apart from the magnificent new cricket ground, I have been extremely encouraged with the extent of interest being demonstrated by other leading sports and leisure operators in joining in partnership together with Hampshire Cricket in fulfilling our mission.

© Hampshire CCC