Former Governor of the Bank of England Lord Mervyn King has been appointed Worcestershire’s president for the county's 150th anniversary year in 2015.
Lord King is a long-term patron of the club and passionate supporter for more than 50 years, stretching back to Worcestershire's first County Championship title triumph in 1964.
He is also a strong supporter of UK cricket in general, having helped to set up the ‘Chance to Shine’ campaign which aims to give every child in every school the opportunity to play and learn through cricket.
Lord King, whose official title is Lord King of Lothbury KG GBE FBA, succeeds John Elliott as Worcestershire president.
Former Worcestershire wicketkeeper Elliott, who also spent eight years as club chairman, said: "I think it is a wonderful decision. He is a very passionate supporter of Worcestershire. He has a lot to offer. Already he's on the phone and emailing two or three times a week.
"But he will be around on the cricket circuit as well and is going to help with our fund-raising for the 150th anniversary year. It's a great name to have associated with the club, brilliant.
"I've been to his office for lunch twice and he has got a cricket ball there on the desk from when he got five wickets playing for the bank and an Aston Villa football sign on the other side.
"He's passionate about Worcestershire and Villa. He's followed the county for a long time and he loves meeting and talking about ex players like Roy Booth, Norman Gifford etc."
Lord King, who served as Governor of the Bank of England and Chairman of the Monetary Policy Committee and Financial Policy Committee from July 2003 to June 2013, said: "It is a great honour to be asked to serve as president of Worcestershire County Cricket Club. My youth was spent at New Road watching the first Worcestershire side to win the County Championship exactly 50 years ago.
"With the 150th anniversary next year, there is much to celebrate in our history and the future is even brighter.
"Today’s team of talented young players, and the redevelopment and transformation of the facilities at New Road, promise exciting times ahead."
Worcestershire chief executive and former all-rounder David Leatherdale said: "He is passionate about cricket, passionate about the club and is keen to play an active role.
"To have someone of Mervyn's stature and reputation involved with the cricket club will only be beneficial as we go into our 150th anniversary and long term going forward."