Ed Smith, the former England batter and ex-national selector, will join the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Board as a Non-Executive Director from October 1, 2026, bringing a blend of cricketing experience and strategic insight to the role.
Smith, who served as England Men's National Selector between 2018 and 2021 - a period that included their triumph at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2019 - will take up the position after completing his current tenure as Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) President. His appointment, which will be ratified at the ECB Annual General Meeting in May, follows the conclusion of Zahida Manzoor's three-year term.
In his role as a Non-Executive Board member, Smith "will provide scrutiny and challenge, looking at the long-term strategy and governance of the whole game, including performance cricket," stated an ECB release.
ECB Chair Richard Thompson welcomed the move, saying: "I'm very pleased to welcome Ed Smith to the ECB Board as a Non-Executive Director. Ed brings sharp thinking and a real depth of domestic and international cricketing experience. Alongside his cricket background, he has a strong strategic mindset and an independent voice that will add real value to our Board discussions.
"Our sincere thanks go to Baroness Manzoor for her significant contribution, commitment and deep care shown throughout her three years on the ECB Board."
Smith added: "I am delighted to be joining the ECB Board. Having been involved in the England Men's set up before as National Selector, I am pleased to be able to contribute again to English Cricket, this time as a Non-Executive Director. It is an extremely important period for both the England Men's and Women's teams and I am looking forward to working with Richard and the Board."
