HAMPSHIRE have moved quickly to fill the boots of outgoing Chief Executive Tony Baker by appointing his replacement.

New supremo Graham Walker brings a wealth of experience to the county and shares the vision of chairman Rod Bransgrove of hosting international cricket at Hampshire's new Rose Bowl stadium at West End.

Walker, who began his career in the sports business 20 years ago when he was appointed as the Football League's first ever marketing manager, said: "Our mission at the Rose Bowl is to create the region's finest leisure village, providing excellent sports and leisure facilities for the entire community all day, every day."

And Bransgrove is relishing the prospect of working with his new chief when he takes over on November 1: "I am looking forward to working closely together with Graham as we move towards our shared vision of hosting international cricket at West End."

"Graham brings to Hampshire Cricket a weatlh of experience in the management and marketing of professional sport. He was previously the Commercial & Marketing Director of the new Millenniun Stadium in Cardiff where he was responsible for generating over £50 million in new funds towards the cost of construction."

Walker is also credited with introducing commercial sponsorship into the world of football and has worked together with many of the major players over the years, including Bass, Coca-Cola and Nationwide. He was, until recently, the chief executive of the north west's only Premier Rugby Club - the Sale Sharks.

Baker, who announced last month his intention to retire at the end of the current season, will still be involved with Hampshire Cricket Club when he will take up a part-time role concentrating on cricketing issues at the club.