Gordon Hollins is stepping down from his role as the England and Wales Cricket Board’s managing director of county cricket.

Hollins entered the newly created role in January 2019 and was tasked with managing relations between the ECB and domestic and recreational cricket.

He joined the ECB in 2007 and held a number of roles over the course of 12 years, including chief operating officer.

He will stay in the role until the end of January 2020, helping with the appointment of his successor and focusing on the implementation of the county partnership agreement.

On his decision to leave the role, Hollins said: “I am very proud of what we have achieved as a game over the last 12 years and to have been part of the development and growth of the sport that I love. None of it would have been possible without the tireless work of the professional executives and fantastic volunteers across England & Wales – it has been a privilege to work with them all.

“It feels like a natural time for me to move on from ECB, and I look forward to applying the experience I have gained to a new challenge in the sporting world.”

Chief executive of the ECB Tom Harrison said: “Gordon has done a tremendous job in leading the creation of the County Partnership Agreement. We owe him a lasting debt of gratitude and wish him every success in his future endeavours.

“Over the last 12 years Gordon has played a key role in several important ECB initiatives which have brought real benefits to cricket in this country.

“We look forward to continuing the great work he has done, and the improved liaison with the Counties that Gordon nurtured. Our Inspiring Generations strategy is designed to grow the game at all levels between 2020 and 2024.

“When it is successfully implemented, we will not forget the significant contribution Gordon made to that success.”