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Essex chief executive John Stephenson will leave his role at the end of the season.

The 59-year-old has been in charge at Chelmsford since the autumn of 2021, having previously worked for the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).

Essex, who are still facing charges relating to racist language or conduct between 2001 and 2010, say Stephenson has decided to "pursue other projects" and have named his deputy, Dan Feist, as general manager as part of an "ongoing restructure".

On Stephenson's departure, club chairman Anu Mohindru said: "He has shown outstanding leadership in guiding Essex through the last three years, and we are extremely sad to see him step down, but we respect his reasons."

Mohindru continued: "These have been difficult times for the club in facing historical allegations of racism, but we were extremely fortunate to have John as CEO. He was prepared to tackle the allegations head on, and in doing so demonstrated resolve, wisdom, fairness and integrity.

“During his tenure, we have been successful in securing a women’s tier one team and developing a clear vision and master plan for a new ground. He leaves this county in a stronger position and much better equipped to build for the future."

Stephenson scored 14,773 runs and took 396 wickets in first-class cricket during a playing career that included spells at Essex and Hampshire and also saw him play one Test for England against Australia during the 1989 Ashes.

The racism charges against the club will be heard by an independent Cricket Discipline Commission, but Stephenson said last month that the club will never publicly name those allegedly involved.

A report published last December following an inquiry commissioned by the club stated that a number of former players had been victims of racist abuse and discriminatory treatment, but it did not identify any victims or perpetrators by name.

On his decision to leave, Stephenson said: "This has been a difficult decision to make as Essex has been in my bloodstream since the day I walked through the doors at Chelmsford in 1984.

"I am proud of what I achieved here. I have loved my time as chief executive and particularly enjoyed working with our diverse and talented board and our close-knit team of professional and dedicated staff.

"We have enjoyed success on the field and I am certain there is more to come."

Essex are currently third in County Championship Division One, with five games to play in August and September, and fourth in their T20 Blast group as they look to progress to the knockout stages of a competition they won in 2019.