Ros Rivaz appointed to ICC board as independent director – Dr. Ros Rivaz Appointed as Independent Director to the ICC Board
A New Chapter in Cricket Governance
The International Cricket Council (ICC) continues its commitment to robust corporate governance with the announcement that Dr. Ros C Rivaz has been appointed as an independent director. This strategic addition to the board marks another milestone in the ICC’s efforts to incorporate high-level corporate expertise into the management of the sport.
Dr. Rivaz is set to serve an initial three-year term, with the possibility of extending this tenure for an additional three years. Her appointment follows a trend of bringing experienced leaders from the blue-chip corporate sector to help steer the global game, ensuring that cricket remains sustainable and influential on the world stage.
Professional Background and Expertise
Dr. Rivaz brings a formidable resume to the ICC. Currently, she serves as the chair of Anglian Water and holds the position of lead independent director at both Aperam SA and Victrex plc. Her extensive background in Europe-based material science companies has honed her skills in executive leadership, risk management, and strategic performance.
According to an official statement from the ICC, Dr. Rivaz’s professional history is characterized by a broad perspective on strategy and operational effectiveness. The ICC noted, “Throughout her career, Dr. Rivaz has been an active and engaged board member, undertaking site visits and stakeholder interactions across government, commercial, and community sectors. Her deep understanding of governance, corporate strategy, and operational effectiveness is complemented by her commitment to diversity and inclusion, making her a strong addition to the ICC Board.”
Beyond the Boardroom
While her corporate credentials are substantial, Dr. Rivaz is also recognized for her dedication to community impact and social initiatives. Her work extends to the education sector, where she has served as the chair of the Council of the University of Southampton. Furthermore, she has been a vocal advocate for STEM education, particularly through her involvement with the ‘Your-Life’ campaign, which aims to encourage young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Her charitable efforts, including work with Water Aid, reflect a values-driven approach that the ICC hopes to integrate into the development of cricket globally.
The Future of Cricket
Reflecting on her new appointment, Dr. Rivaz expressed enthusiasm about the state of the game. “It is a privilege to join the ICC Board at such an exciting time for the sport,” she stated. “Cricket continues to reach new audiences, inspire communities and strengthen its position as one of the world’s most influential global sports.”
She emphasized that her focus will be on the long-term health of the game: “I look forward to working alongside the ICC Chairman, fellow Board members, and the wider cricket family to support the continued growth of the game. Strong governance, long-term thinking and an inclusive approach to decision-making will be central to ensuring cricket continues to thrive and create opportunities for future generations across all parts of the world.”
Historical Context of the Role
The role of the independent director on the ICC board is a relatively modern development. This position was solidified in 2018 when Indra Nooyi, the former PepsiCo chair and chief executive, became the first woman to serve as an independent director. This move was part of a series of constitutional changes within the ICC designed to modernize the organization’s structure. These changes, which have roots in the recommendations of the famously discarded Woolf report, underscore the ICC’s ongoing evolution toward more transparent and inclusive decision-making processes.
With the addition of Dr. Rivaz, the ICC is clearly signaling its intent to maintain a high standard of professional oversight, ensuring that the sport of cricket is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of the modern sports landscape.
