Ros Rivaz appointed to ICC board as independent director – Dr. Ros Rivaz Appointed as Independent Director to the ICC Board
A New Chapter in ICC Governance
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced the appointment of Dr. Ros C. Rivaz as an independent director. Her appointment marks a notable addition to the organization’s governing body, as the ICC continues to refine its strategic direction on the global stage. Dr. Rivaz has been appointed for an initial three-year term, with the possibility of an extension for a further three years, ensuring a degree of continuity in the ICC’s leadership ranks.
A Distinguished Corporate Background
Dr. Rivaz arrives at the ICC with an impressive pedigree in the corporate world. Currently serving as the chair of Anglian Water, she also holds the position of lead independent director at both Aperam SA and Victrex plc. These Europe-based material science companies rely on her leadership, which is grounded in extensive executive experience across blue-chip organizations in the UK and international markets.
According to an official statement from the ICC, Dr. Rivaz provides a broad perspective on strategy, risk, and performance management. Her professional history demonstrates a consistent ability to oversee complex operational structures, a skill set that the ICC is clearly seeking to leverage as it manages the growing commercial and administrative demands of modern cricket.
Commitment to Governance and Inclusion
Beyond her financial and operational acumen, Dr. Rivaz is recognized for her active approach to board participation. The ICC noted her history of hands-on engagement, which includes frequent site visits and deep stakeholder interactions across government, commercial, and community sectors. This collaborative nature is expected to be a major asset to the ICC Board.
Furthermore, her appointment reflects a clear focus on the evolution of cricket’s administrative culture. The statement highlighted that her deep understanding of corporate strategy is complemented by her commitment to diversity and inclusion. Throughout her career, she has been a strong advocate for educational and community-focused initiatives. Notably, she has supported the ‘Your-Life’ campaign, which promotes STEM uptake among young women, and she has chaired the Council of the University of Southampton. Her involvement with charities such as Water Aid further underscores her dedication to social responsibility.
Looking Toward the Future of Cricket
Reflecting on her new role, Dr. Rivaz expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity. She noted that it is a privilege to join the ICC Board during what she describes as an exciting time for the sport. “Cricket continues to reach new audiences, inspire communities and strengthen its position as one of the world’s most influential global sports,” she remarked.
Dr. Rivaz emphasized her commitment to the long-term health of the game, stating, “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.”
Building on a Strategic Legacy
The role of the independent director within the ICC is a relatively modern development, designed to provide unbiased oversight and strategic guidance. The tradition of appointing independent voices began in 2018, when Indra Nooyi, the former chair and chief executive of PepsiCo, became the first woman to serve as an independent director on the ICC board.
This initiative was part of a series of constitutional reforms aimed at modernizing the way the game is governed. Many observers have noted that these appointments align with the spirit of the historic Woolf report, which had long advocated for the inclusion of independent directors to improve the transparency and effectiveness of the cricket governing body. By bringing in leaders like Dr. Rivaz, the ICC is reinforcing its commitment to these reforms, ensuring that the sport remains well-positioned to meet the challenges and opportunities of the coming decade.
