Corbett set to become new MCC chairman

Gerald Corbett, a cricket enthusiast and high-powered businessman, will be the next chairman of MCC, subject to approval by club members at the annual general meeting on May 6.

He faces the challenging task of repairing relationships between the MCC committee and members after a prolonged dispute over rebuilding plans for Lord's. His first month in office next October will will coincide with the rebuilding of the Warner Stand, the first of several redevelopment projects.

Corbett, who will succeed Oliver Stocken on October 1, and who has been an MCC Member since 1995, certainly has a penchant for business. He has served on the board of twelve different public companies, six of them as chairman. He is currently chairman of Britvic, the soft drinks company; Betfair, the international betting exchange; and Numis, a stockbroking and investment banking business

The MCC committee confirmed the appointment, following a recommendation from a working group led by Mike Griffith, a trustee and past president. The group was supported in the final interviews by MCC president David Morgan. Spencer Stuart, an executive search consulting firm, also assisted in the shortlist. With so many chairmanships behind him, he was not overly difficult to find.

Morgan said: "Mr Corbett emerged as the unanimous choice to succeed Oliver Stocken. His track record of leading large and diverse organisations is impressive, and he will bring with him direct experience in the finance, property, consumer goods and charitable sectors, which will be of great benefit to everyone at the club."

Corbett's first visit to Lord's, he said, was as a spectator in the 1963 Gillette Cup final. "MCC is the Home of Cricket, a national institution and a wonderful brand. All the experience I have I will bring to bear helping it meet the challenges of an ever-changing world."

He becomes the fifth person to hold the unpaid post following its creation in 2000 and can serve a maximum of two three-year periods.