Sean Jarvis, Leicestershire’s chief executive who has been credited with the club’s recent successes both on and off the pitch, is set to step down from his role this October. He departs after a transformative five-year tenure that began during a challenging period for cricket and the club due to the Covid-19 lockdowns.
Appointed in 2020, Jarvis joined Leicestershire from Huddersfield Town FC when the club was struggling, having finished last in all three county competitions in 2019. The financial constraints at the time hindered the signing of an overseas player for the T20 Blast, and Jarvis’ predecessor, Karen Rothery, had left the club in a financial bind with a £132,000 operational loss recorded for 2018-19.
However, 2023 has been a turning point for the team. They secured their first List A trophy since 1985 by winning the Metro Bank One-Day Cup and currently lead Division Two of the County Championship with three wins from five games.
“I’m delighted to have played my part in the ongoing journey of Leicestershire County Cricket,” stated Jarvis. “When I joined in 2020, I set out a five-year plan and I’m pleased to have been able to deliver on that.”
He further expressed pride in overseeing the club’s first trophy in 14 years and winning their first Boca (Business of Cricket Award). “It hasn’t been without challenges, but that’s wider than the club itself and more linked to the game as a whole,” he added.
Financially, Leicestershire stands to gain significantly from the sale of equity in The Hundred, with the Trent Rockets based in Nottinghamshire negotiating a £40 million deal with Todd Boehley’s Cain International group.
“I’m proud to be departing with the club in such a great position for the start of a new era,” Jarvis remarked. “We now have a team that can compete on all fronts, and things are looking extremely positive for the future.”
The search for his successor is underway, while John Thorpe, the club chairman, acknowledged Jarvis’ contributions. “Sean has been fantastic from day one,” Thorpe commented. “He successfully navigated the club through the Covid times and carefully managed the operational side of the business.”
Thorpe also noted, “We’re excited to expand our corporate, commercial, and partnership opportunities. Leicester is quite a unique sporting city, and we need to harness that community. We’re really excited for the new era and the opportunities it will bring.”
As the club transitions, the Leicestershire community remains optimistic about its future both on and off the cricket field.
