Brand, Ownership, Finances and Sponsorship
Yorkshire County Cricket Club was founded in 1863 and is owned by its members who have elected various officials including the club's General Committee which existed until 2002 when it was replaced by a Board of Management headed by a chief executive. In 2011, Ray Illingworth holds the office of Club President while board members are Colin Graves (chairman), Geoff Boycott, Robin Smith, Gareth Davies and Martin Farrington. Liz Neto acts as PA to the board and there are a number of departmental directors and managers heading such functions as sales, finance, stadium facilities, administration, catering, hospitality, marketing and sponsorship.
The once-influential post of Club Secretary effectively ceased in 2002 although the club did have a company secretary for three years. That function has now disappeared under the broader structure and the present secretary as such is the personal assistant (PA) to the board members.
Like all county clubs, Yorkshire relies heavily on sponsorship and numerous companies have formed deals with the club over many years. Colin Graves is the chairman of Costcutter and this has been one of the main sponsors for several years. Costcutter is an "official partner", as are Leeds Metropolitan University, Aunt Bessie's, Dent Steel, Henderson Insurance Brokers, Gray-Nicolls and JCT600. Other levels of sponsorship are "secondary partner" and player sponsor, both of which have attracted numerous participants.
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