Ros Rivaz appointed to ICC board as independent director – Dr Ros Rivaz Appointed as ICC Board Independent Director

An Important Appointment for Global Cricket Governance

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially welcomed Dr Ros C Rivaz to its board of directors. Dr Rivaz joins the governing body as an independent director, a role designed to bring external perspective, objective oversight, and elite corporate experience to the decision-making table of global cricket. She is set to begin an initial three-year term, with the possibility of extensions up to a maximum of six years in total.

As cricket continues its rapid expansion into new territories and prepares for major milestones—including inclusion in the upcoming Olympic Games—the demand for robust administrative structures has never been higher. Dr Rivaz’s appointment is positioned as a strategic step toward ensuring the sport is managed with the highest standards of transparency and long-term vision.

A Distinguished Corporate and Executive Background

Dr Rivaz brings a wealth of high-level leadership experience from a variety of demanding sectors. Currently, she serves as the chair of Anglian Water, a major utility company in the United Kingdom. Additionally, she holds the role of lead independent director at both Aperam SA and Victrex plc, two prominent Europe-based material science corporations.

Throughout her career, Dr Rivaz has held executive positions in several blue-chip companies, operating both within the UK and on the international stage. According to an official statement from the ICC, this extensive background provides her with “a broad perspective on strategy, risk and performance management.” Her ability to navigate complex organizational structures and assess operational risks makes her an invaluable asset to the cricket governing body as it handles increasingly complex commercial and regulatory landscapes.

A Proven Track Record of Engagement and Inclusion

Beyond her corporate credentials, Dr Rivaz is recognized for her hands-on approach to leadership. The ICC highlighted her active participation in board operations, noting that she has consistently undertaken site visits and engaged deeply with stakeholders across commercial, governmental, and community sectors.

A key aspect of her profile is her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, alongside her support for educational and community initiatives. Dr Rivaz has been a strong advocate for encouraging young women to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields through her involvement with the Your-Life campaign. Furthermore, she has chaired the Council of the University of Southampton and has been an active supporter of international charities, including WaterAid. This dedication to community development and inclusivity aligns closely with the ICC’s stated goals of expanding cricket’s footprint among women and youth globally.

Aligning with the ICC’s Long-Term Strategy

Expressing her enthusiasm for the new role, Dr Rivaz emphasized the unique position that cricket holds in the modern sporting landscape. She noted that the sport has a powerful ability to inspire communities and reach new global audiences.

“It is a privilege to join the ICC Board at such an exciting time for the sport,” Dr Rivaz said. “Cricket continues to reach new audiences, inspire communities and strengthen its position as one of the world’s most influential global sports. 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.”

She also underlined the key principles that will guide her tenure: “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.”

The Evolution of Independent Directors at the ICC

The introduction of independent directors to the ICC board is a relatively modern phenomenon, stemming from a period of intense constitutional reform. In 2018, former PepsiCo chairperson and chief executive Indra Nooyi was appointed as the ICC’s first-ever independent female director. This landmark appointment was part of a broader overhaul of the ICC constitution aimed at modernizing the body’s governance model.

The push for independent directors on the ICC board echoes the recommendations of the famous Woolf Report of 2012. Led by Lord Woolf, the report advocated for a more independent, transparent, and ethically robust governance structure for international cricket, advising against a board comprised solely of representatives from member nations. The appointment of Dr Rivaz marks a continuation of this governance philosophy, ensuring that independent, objective voices remain at the heart of the sport’s global administration.