Lancashire Cricket appoints Justine Hewitt as Director of Operations

Lancashire Cricket appoints Justine Hewitt as Director of Operations

Lancashire Cricket can confirm the appointment of Justine Hewitt as the club’s new Director of Operations at Emirates Old Trafford.

Hewitt is highly experienced in stadium security and event management – ​​having worked in the industry for over 20 years – and joins from Leicester City Football Club, where he has been Chief Operating Officer of the Premier League since April 2020.

Prior to joining Leicester City, Hewitt spent a decade at the Ricoh Arena (now the Coventry Building Society Arena) – the home of Wasps Rugby – where his roles included major events and project manager and operations manager, before becoming operations director in 2019.

Hewitt organized various events at the venue, including 2012 Olympic football matches and large indoor and outdoor concerts by the likes of Take That, Oasis, Coldplay, Bruce Springsteen and Rihanna.

He is also in the process of achieving his Level 5 Public Safety Management qualification and Hewitt also holds a general certificate from the National Board of Examiners for Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH).

Hewitt also has previous experience of working at Emirates Old Trafford, having joined the club as a freelance project manager for the 2013 Ashes Test held at the venue, focusing on customer experience and security operations.

In addition to the appointment of the club’s new Director of Operations, Lancashire Cricket has appointed Scott Tyldesley as Director of Safety and Sustainability. Tyldesley joins the club from Wigan Athletic Football Club, where he has worked since April 2022 as Health and Safety Manager and most recently as the club’s Head of Stadium and Training Ground Facilities.

Tyldesley brings to Emirates Old Trafford extensive experience and knowledge of health and safety practices and regulations. He takes overall responsibility for the facilities and security of the venue and works closely with Justine Hewitt.

Lancashire Cricket chief executive Daniel Gidney said: “I am happy to confirm the appointment of Justine as our new director of operations and to welcome her to the management team.

“Justine brings a wealth of relevant stadium and event management experience to Lancashire Cricket and will continue to focus on enhancing the all-round guest experience for members, supporters and event guests who attend Emirates Old Trafford throughout the year.

“I am also really pleased to welcome Scott to the club as Head of Safety and Sustainability. Together, Scott and Justine use their vast experience to ensure Emirates Old Trafford operates at the highest level for all our crickets, concerts and events.

Justine Hewitt also commented: “I am extremely excited to be joining the Red Rose family and starting work at one of the most historic venues in world cricket, Emirates Old Trafford.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Emirates Old Trafford during the 2013 Ashes and the venue has since undergone an incredible transformation over the past decade. It now hosts more domestic and international cricket than ever before, along with concerts and year-round conferences, events and hotel business.

“I look forward to working with the rest of the management team. I will use my experience to help the club build on the progress it has already made and ensure that all guests who visit Emirates Old Trafford – for whatever reason – have a safe and memorable experience at our venue.”

Scott Tyldesley added: “I am really looking forward to playing an important role in helping a world-class venue like Emirates Old Trafford to safely host massive events throughout the year.

“Throughout my time at Wigan Athletic I have gained invaluable skills and knowledge in health and safety and will help Justine and the team deliver successful events at the home of Lancashire Cricket.”