Surrey have confirmed that Alec Stewart is back in the chair as director of men’s cricket, effective immediately.
The 62-year-old paused full-time duties after the 2024 campaign to care for his wife, Lynn, who sadly died from cancer in April. In his absence the county resisted naming a successor, instead keeping Stewart on the books as a high-performance adviser. One season on, he takes up the reins again.
“Surrey has always been my home and I am now ready to return to full-time duties with the club again,” Stewart said. “My priorities have always been to support the cricket management team and the squad to be the best county in the country, to bring cricketers into our professional squad through our pathway system and help players to fulfil their dreams of representing their country.”
Stewart first accepted the role in 2013, moulding a talent pipeline that produced four County Championship titles, three of them on the bounce between 2022 and 2024. His record is hard to ignore: a clear eye for recruitment, steady backing of the academy and a willingness to let coaches coach. Last summer Surrey still topped most statistical charts but fell three points short of Nottinghamshire, finishing runners-up in Division One.
Oli Slipper, the club chair, offered a straightforward endorsement. “Alec is a legend of Surrey and we are looking forward to having him back in his role as director of men’s cricket. Alec’s record speaks for itself and he’s been the driving force in so much of the club’s success over many, many years.”
Chief executive Steve Elworthy echoed that view. “Alec’s commitment, drive and attention to detail has built the team into the side it is today and we know he will continue to progress the team as he resumes his role at the helm on the men’s game in the county. Alec has remained an important part of the cricket management team over the last 12 months and he continues to drive the highest of standards across the club.”
On the field, Stewart will link back up with head coach Gareth Batty and captain Rory Burns. The trio must juggle seasoned campaigners with a clutch of younger players now pressing for regular four-day spots. Surrey supporters will expect another tilt at the Championship; Stewart’s remit goes further, ensuring the pathway keeps fuelling both county and, ultimately, England ambitions.
