Sussex  unveiled Zac Toumazi as their new chief executive this morning.

Toumazi beat off competition from a “very strong” list of candidates to take over from Dave Brooks who is due to step down after four years at Hove at the end of the month. Toumazi arrives after stepping down from his role as group commercial director at neighbours Hampshire two weeks ago having previously spent six years at Surrey in a similar role.

He said: “I am very excited about being appointed chief executive. I look forward to working with the entire team taking Sussex cricket forward whilst preserving the values that make it so special.”

Toumazi helped negotiate the naming rights for the AGEAS Bowl and was pivotal in Hampshire staging its first ever Test match against Sri Lanka last year.

He also has a strong business background away from cricket having worked in senior roles at Citigroup and Goldman Sachs.

Jim May, Sussex chairman, said: “Dave Brooks leaves us in great shape after four outstanding years as chief executive. We had a very strong group of candidates who applied to succeed him.

“We are very pleased to appoint Zac as we believe his commercial experience, cultural fit and passion for cricket give him the credentials to ensure that Sussex Cricket continues to lead the way both on and off the pitch.”