Essex Name First Woman Chair After 150 Years

Rachel Lewis is the first female Chairman of the Board in Essex County Cricket Club‘s 150-year history, making history. Jason Gallian resigned from the position he had taken over temporarily last year.

Lewis has a strong connection to the county because she has served as the Chair of Essex Cricket in the Community for the past three years, where she promoted inclusivity and involvement among cricketers. Celebrating the club’s 150th anniversary (it was founded in 1876) is a momentous occasion in its history.

Lewis is a former professional volleyball player who represented Team GB in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. However, with only one victory under their belt, Great Britain finished fifth in Pool A.

“It is a great honour to be appointed Chair of Essex County Cricket Club, especially in this, our 150th year. This Club has a proud history, and I am eager to build on that foundation as we embark on a key new chapter.

With the renovation of our ground and both of our teams playing at the highest level, we have a fantastic opportunity to propel Essex Cricket forward.

“I am grateful for the trust placed in me, and I look forward to working with the Board, our players, staff, and members to ensure continued success,” Rachel Lewis stated on Essex’s official website.

During this historic year, both the Essex Men’s and Women’s sides are competing at the top level of domestic cricket. With 105 points from eight games, the men’s team is now ranked sixth in the County Championship Division One rankings. at addition, they advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2026 T20 Blast before falling to Hampshire at Southampton.

The women’s squad was one of eight founding members of the revised Tier 1 system that entered into force in 2025. They presently sit at the bottom of the 2026 Women’s One Day Cup standings, having finished fifth in the T20 Blast Women’s.