David Smith will take over as Leicestershire chief executive in January, replacing Paul Maylard-Mason.

The 51-year-old former Warwickshire player and committee member is the chairman of the Leicestershire and Rutland Cricket Board.

Maylard-Mason has left the club to pursue business interests.

Smith, whose father once played for Leicestershire, said: "This is a great opportunity to build on the good work undertaken by the club."

David brings a rare set of credentials to the post Foxes chairman Neil Davidson

He added: "In Tim Boon, we have an outstanding cricket coach - he and I share a vision for the club to establish a sustainable development pathway which gives young Leicestershire (and Rutland) cricketers the best opportunity to represent their county at first-class level."

Smith, a qualified coach who is the elder brother of notorious former Warwickshire all-rounder Paul Smith, will take responsibility for all areas of the club and Boon will report directly to him.

Chairman Neil Davidson said: "David brings a rare set of credentials to the post - a successful playing career at first-class level, experience of cricket administration and a successful business career in a highly relevant industry.

"Paul leaves the club with our thanks for the effort and enthusiasm he brought to the job and goes with our best wishes for success in his new venture."