Sir Ronnie Flanagan, one of the United Kingdom's most senior former policemen, has been appointed as the new chairman of the ICC Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU), in succession to Lord Condon who is retiring from the role at the end of June 2010.
Until recently, Sir Ronnie was the Home Office Chief Inspector of Constabulary for England, Wales and Northern Ireland and was previously the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland since its creation in 2001 until 2002. He had also been Chief Constable of its predecessor, the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) from 1996 until 2001.
Having been knighted by Britain's Queen Elizabeth II for his services to policing and enjoying a strong sporting background, Mr Flanagan was identified by the ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat and Lord Condon as an excellent candidate for the role.
"The job description dictates that anyone who takes the role has to be of international standing and experience. There is no doubt that Sir Ronnie fits that description. He served as a Chief Constable, he has advised governments around the world in policing techniques and has also been involved in sport," Lorgat said.
"We are extremely grateful to Lord Condon firstly for serving our great sport with distinction and then, after a thorough search, helping to identify such an able and qualified successor. Lord Condon had again indicated to me earlier this year his intention to retire from the role of chairman in June.
"He has been an outstanding servant to cricket in setting up the ACSU and latterly serving as its chairman. He has guided the ACSU through difficult times for the game of cricket and helped to establish the unit as the world leader in its field and one that other sports are now looking to emulate. The game owes him a great debt of gratitude."
Lord Condon added: "I feel that my 10th year with the ICC is a fitting time to stand down especially as I have now completed the work of the task force set up to look into improving security after the attack in Lahore last March.
"I am proud of everything that we have achieved in the ACSU in the last 10 years and now I feel that Sir Ronnie will be able to continue and develop that work for the good of the game with the support of Ravi Sawani, General Manager of the ICC ACSU."
Sir Ronnie is currently an advisor to the Abu Dhabi Police Force as well as contributing to the security and safety plan for the Football Association's bid to host the FIFA World Cup in England. He is a keen amateur cricketer and also played rugby at senior level for Ulster province in his native Ireland.
