Mark Robinson, who steered England women to the 2017 ODI World Cup title on home soil, has returned to Sussex Cricket as the club's new director of cricket. The appointment, announced on Thursday, 5 November 2026, reunites Robinson with a county where he spent more than 15 years as a player and head coach, and where he previously guided the side to two County Championship titles.

Background to the Appointment

Robinson steps into a part-time role that was originally earmarked for Paul Farbrace, who departed for a full-time director of cricket position at Lancashire earlier this year. Most recently, Robinson served as head coach at Warwickshire, leading them to both the County Championship and the Bob Willis Trophy in 2021 before leaving Edgbaston in early 2025. Following that exit, he took up a role as director of cricket at the Brighton Aldridge Community Academy (BACA), a position he will continue to hold alongside his new duties at Sussex.

Robinson's Deep Roots at Sussex

Robinson's association with Sussex stretches back to 1997, when he first joined as a player in the wake of a turbulent period for the club. He later succeeded Peter Moores as head coach, a post he held from 2005 to 2015, during which time he delivered back-to-back Championship titles in 2006 and 2007. He subsequently moved into the England women's set-up in 2015, culminating in the World Cup triumph two years later.

In a statement, Robinson said: 'I'm delighted to be back at Hove in a position where I can play my part in helping Sussex continue to be one of the most respected Clubs in the Country. We have taken some hits in the last year and, as a club, we still have some work to be done, and I am determined to contribute to ensure a bright future here at Sussex.' He also highlighted the significance of continuity with BACA, noting the dedication of young cricketers who travel long distances to pursue the sport: 'So many of our cricket students come from all over the county and show such dedication, some leaving as early as 6.30 am, many catching two trains to get into school to follow their dreams.'

Club Leadership Reacts

Matt Walker, Sussex men's head coach, welcomed Robinson's return warmly. 'Mark brings a wealth of experience, outstanding knowledge of the game and a proven track record of developing players and building successful environments,' Walker said. Alex Paterson, acting chief executive officer, echoed that sentiment: 'Mark knows Sussex Cricket inside out, having successfully played and coached here for more than 15 years, including winning the County Championship twice. I cannot imagine a better person to become our Director of Cricket.'

A Week of Leadership Changes at Sussex

Robinson's arrival comes during a significant week of institutional change at the club. Sussex also confirmed the appointment of Beth Barrett-Wild — tournament director of this year's Women's T20 World Cup in England — as the club's new chief executive officer. Barrett-Wild is set to take over from interim CEO Alex Paterson on 1 January, as Sussex seeks to rebuild its finances following a period of instability that saw the club placed in special measures earlier this year. Notably, Sussex has historically been a pioneering county — the first club to install permanent floodlights — and Robinson pointed to the ongoing Breaking Boundaries initiative, which invests in state schools cricket, as evidence of the club's forward-looking ethos.

With a new director of cricket and a new CEO both on board, Sussex enters a fresh chapter — the question now is whether the leadership depth assembled in a difficult week can translate into sustained competitive and financial recovery.