TOM Scott has been named as the permanent chief executive officer at Worcestershire County Cricket Club.

Scott replaced David Leatherdale on an interim basis in February until the end of the 2016 season, after his predecessor moved into a similar role with the Professional Cricketers' Association.

But the 57-year-old, a life-long supporter of the club, is now happy to take up the post full-time, which the Worcestershire board have approved.

Scott founded The Cotswold Group, a UK leader in providing support services to the Insurance sector, in 1990.

By the time the Cotswold Group was acquired by G4S - the world’s largest security company - in 2011, it employed more than 300 full-time staff with offices in Gloucester, London, Manchester and Norwich.

The Cotswold Group were Worcestershire's main sponsor for a three year period from 2009 and Scott, who was educated at Nunnery Wood Secondary School, has been a member of the County’s informal strategic group.

Worcestershire chairman Stephen Taylor said: “It is brilliant news that Tom is taking the role full-time.

“He came in on an interim basis and the club have been very happy with the way Tom has performed to the point where the board agreed that he should be appointed full-time.

“It is great that we have got someone with the business and commercial expertise of Tom in such a key role at the club.

“Over the next three to five years, Tom is looking to develop the commercial side of the club and enable it to begin work on phase three of the ground development on New Road, which is a key objective for the club over the next three to five years.

“We have appointed someone who really cares for the club. Tom is an ardent Worcestershire supporter and watched them himself as a young boy.

“He has sponsored the club and is doing this important job for all the right reasons.”

Scott said: “I was born and raised in Worcester, I’m a life-long supporter and feel passionate about Worcestershire County Cricket Club and cricket in Worcestershire.

“I want to see success at the club both on and off the pitch so that our financial future is secure.

“After taking on the role in late February there has been a lot to learn about professional cricket but I have thoroughly enjoyed the process.

“There have been various aspects that have needed attention which provided me with a greater understanding of what makes the club tick.

"During this time I quickly realised I would like to do the job permanently, so when the board agreed, I was very pleased to accept.”

Scott is relishing the challenges ahead in a bid to strengthen the club’s financial position so more money can be ploughed back into cricket.

Commercially, the ultimate goal will be to develop the New Road Stand and provide up to date facilities for members and both home and visiting supporters.

He said: “All first-class clubs must be financially sustainable. In order to do that we need to generate commercial opportunities with current and new commercial partners.

“The club is in need of careful structured change so members, staff and supporters can see improvements to the infrastructure and the way we do business.

"We will see financial benefits resulting from commercial arrangements with suppliers and how we purchase goods and services coming into the club, this will enable us to continue to upgrade our very special ground.

“There have been some personnel changes in recent months and we have some new additions which will strengthen our position from an administrative point of view.

"We can now start to plan the next phase of our development with the right team in place for the next five years."