Alec Stewart will take on a new role as High-Performance Cricket Advisor from January 2025.
The new position will see the former-England wicketkeeper contracted to Surrey for a fixed number of days a year, a significant reduction from his current full-time role, with the responsibility of overseeing the continued success of the men’s elite game.
Working alongside Gareth Batty and Rory Burns, Stewart will continue to support the elite culture that has built sustainable success at the Kia Oval over the last decade. He will also continue to advise on the Surrey Talent Pathway to ensure the Club carries on developing talented cricketers who represent the First XI and then progress on to winning England honours.
During Stewart’s reign as Director of Cricket, Surrey have won four County Championships, whilst twelve cricketers have made England debuts whilst at the Club – nine of whom have come through the Club’s Talent Pathway – more than any other county in the country.
Stewart is stepping down from his current role as Director of Men’s Cricket at the end of this calendar year after 11 years in the job.
The Club will not be appointing a replacement to the role of Men’s Director of Cricket.
Chair of Surrey CCC, Oli Slipper said “We completely understood and accepted Alec’s decision to step back from his Director of Cricket role at the start of the season but we always wanted to retain his expertise and his impact at Surrey. We’ve had excellent conversations with Alec around a common ground that worked for him and for the Club and I’m thrilled to say that we have found a role that works for all parties.”
Steve Elworthy, CEO at Surrey CCC, said “Alec has played a pivotal role in the success of the Club over many years, not just lifting trophies but the conveyor belt of talent that has progressed through the Talent Pathway. That he will continue to shape the men’s professional set up, albeit in a changed role, is brilliant for the Club.
“We will not be replacing Alec but will be looking to individuals already at the Club to take on new responsibilities. The foundations of the success of the elite group have been built by Alec and we are very pleased that we will retain his support in the future.”
Alec Stewart said “Everyone knows my love of the Club and what it means to me and therefore I’m very pleased that the Club wanted me to continue in this new role that has been created. With this new set up, I firmly believe that we can continue the success at Surrey that we’ve seen in recent times.
“I look forward to continuing my working relationship with Gareth, Rory and the team.”
