LIFELONG Worcestershire supporter Fanos Hira has replaced Stephen Taylor as chairman of the New Road club.

Taylor has expressed his desire to stand down after four years in the role but will remain on the board until next year's AGM to assist with the transition.

Hira has been a member of Worcestershire's board since January 2016, becoming the club’s audit group chairman shortly afterwards.

The former King’s School Worcester student takes over following his recommendation by Worcestershire's nominations committee.

“In the last few years, the club has been through some significant change,” Hira said.

“In my view there is a very strong foundation from which to build on, and that’s testament to the impressive efforts Steve and his board at Worcestershire have put in.

“I will work very closely with the board to make sure the club thrives in the years ahead, as we face the impending changes in the game and the challenges they present.

“We remain focussed on improving everything we do for our members – finances, governance, transparency – so that we can invest more in cricket, which is our primary purpose.”

Taylor added: “I am delighted to be handing over as I always intended to, made even better after our monumental and historic win on Saturday.

"The whole club is quite rightly delighted and the future is very strong.

"I wish Fanos every success, and I thank my fellow board members for their support over the years.”

Hira is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, having trained with Coopers & Lybrand (now Price Waterhouse).

The 50-year-old then held senior positions at two global investment banks. At Morgan Stanley he headed up European Wireless Research, and as a Senior Managing Director at Bear Stearns (now JP Morgan) he led the European Telecom Equity Research team.

In July 2007, he returned to Worcestershire with his wife and three sons, and now manages his own private investments.

Hira is a trustee of the King’s School Development Trust where he chairs the Investment Committee.

He has also been Treasurer at Droitwich Rugby Club for the past five years. He is a keen sportsman who plays touch rugby, recently achieving England squad level.