MARK LATTER (pictured) has turned his back on the world of finance to become the Guernsey Cricket Board’s first chief executive officer.

In line with the International Cricket Council, who give substantial funding to the GCB, a full-time CEO was required when the island gained associate membership to the organisation last year.

And Latter has given up a lucrative job in banking to take up the role.

The 42-year-old, who had enjoyed a 23-year career with Midland and then HSBC in the island, admitted he has taken ‘quite a big pay cut’ as he explained the reasons behind the move.

‘It was definitely a decision made with the heart instead of the head,’ he said.

‘A few things happened, like my dad dying one year into his retirement, and it makes you realise you should do the things in life you want to do. Also, it’s the quality of life and I wanted to do something that I’m passionate about, not when I’m in retirement but when I’ve still got some energy.

‘The opportunity to take a full, hands-on role in shaping Guernsey cricket was too good to miss and I had no hesitation in accepting the CEO position when offered.’