Essex has appointed Rachel Lewis as the club’s first female chair of the board in its 150-year history.

The former Olympic volleyball player replaces Jason Gallian with immediate effect after he resigned following “careful consideration” late last week.

Lewis has served as Essex Cricket Community President for the past three years and now becomes the club’s fifth president in as many years.

Essex has also confirmed that Gallian will continue as a board member.

“This club has a proud heritage and I am excited to build on that foundation as we embark on a critical new chapter,” Lewis told the Essex website., external.

“With the refurbishment of our ground and both of our teams competing at the highest level, we have a tremendous opportunity to drive Essex Cricket forward.”