Durham Cricket Club chief David Harker takes top award
Nov 20 2009 by Iain Laing, The Journal
THE man who transformed the fortunes of Durham County Cricket Club and brought Test Match games to the North East was last night named the North East Business Executive of the Year 2009.
David Harker, chief executive of DCCC since 1991, was given the region’s highest individual business accolade in Newcastle last night.
The 26th North East Business Executive of the Year Awards, run by The Journal and the Evening Gazette, took place last night at the Newcastle Marriott Hotel, Gosforth Park.
The award caps an exceptional year for Harker, whose team celebrated winning the LV County Championship for the second year running.
The former chartered accountant launched a £45m initiative to expand seating capacity at the club’s Riverside ground in Chester-le-Street from 8,000 to 20,000 this year, along with the creation of a new gateway building and a 149-room Hilton hotel.
The man who joined the club when it gained first-class status 18 years ago is credited with turning this minor club into one of the best in the country and giving the region’s economy a boost. It is estimated £3.25m is spent in the region each time a Test Match is played at DCCC.
Journal editor Brian Aitken said: “Durham’s rapid rise to the top of English cricket is nothing short of remarkable and it is David Harker who has led DCCC to this achievement.
“His passion, drive and ambition make him a popular choice in a competition that is always difficult to judge. His success has meant his influence now reaches beyond the sporting world and he is great role model and a worthy champion.”
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