Brooks heads for Hove exit

Click here for all the latest news from the domestic cricket scene, including exclusive interviews, team news, match reports and photo galleries

Sussex chief executive Dave Brooks is to stand down at the end of 2012, the club announced today.

Brooks arrived at Hove in 2009, after 20 years in the food industry, as the first chief executive responsible for both the county side and the Sussex Cricket Board.

During his tenure, the club have remained competitive on the field - they challenged for all three domestic trophies in 2012 - and enjoyed improved commercial performance.

The PROBIZ County Ground has also undergone development and Brooks is understandably proud of his work.

“It has been a privilege to be part of cricket in Sussex for the last four years,” he said.

“As a team we can be proud of our achievements over that time, and in particular the most obvious improvement, which is the new ground.

Every time I walk in the gates I have a sense of pride as I see the new stand before me and I hope that those who follow me will feel the same.

“I believe that now is the time to hand over to allow the next person who has the pleasure of taking on this role time to bed in and take the club and cricket board on to the second phase of regeneration. The opportunity is massive and the foundation strong, making this one of the best roles in the sport.

“I will miss everyone associated with the club and offer special thanks to my chairman, the board, the staff and players, our devoted members and the fantastic sponsors for all their support. I wish everyone the very best of luck for a very exciting future.”

Sussex chairman Jim May offered a glowing tribute, adding: “Dave Brooks has been a transformational chief executive.

“He has combined an astute business focus with an empathy and understanding for cricket at all levels. He leaves Sussex with our very best wishes, and in great shape for his successor.”

Want to know what's happening at your county? Interested in how your rivals are faring? Look no further than ecb.co.uk's county-by-county page