Sussex have named the former top man at London Sport and Cricket Scotland as their new chief executive.

Pete Fitzboydon has been confirmed as the successor to Rob Andrew at Hove.

He takes over as the county target a return to the top tier of the County Championship, a professional women’s team, development of the 1st Central County Ground and the growth of the game across the county.

Fitzboydon has been CEO at Badminton England and Cycling UK, had a consultancy role at the RFU and has watched Sussex at Hove.

He said: “I have so many fond memories of watching matches at The 1st Central County Ground in the late 2000s when I lived locally, and I am looking forward to playing a part as the club seeks to return to those trophy-laden days.

“Sussex Cricket is an exceptional organisation with a rich heritage.

“There are so many exciting opportunities ahead for Sussex Cricket, not least developing the women’s game and helping the sport to widen its appeal to all communities.

“I look forward to adding my experience to the leadership team to help Sussex Cricket to fulfil its potential in all areas, from the sport’s grassroots right up to the top echelons of the game.”

Announcing the appointment, Sussex chairman Jon Filby said the club are going into an exciting period.

He added: “The board and I are very much looking forward to working with Pete, whose broad experience of leadership in sport and passion for cricket, kindled by being a frequent visitor to Hove in years gone by, make him the ideal person to lead us through the years ahead.”