Nottinghamshire businessman Nat Puri says that his appointment as President of Notts County Cricket Club is the fulfilment of lifelong ambition.

Mr Puri has been a member of the club since emigrating from India in 1966 and was confirmed as the successor to Bill Russell at the club’s Annual General Meeting last week.

“One of the first things I did when I arrived in Nottingham was to become a member of the club,” said Nat.

“I have enjoyed visiting the ground ever since and have supported the club in many ways. I am a lifelong cricket supporter and with this appointment, I now have the perfect excuse to spend more time at Trent Bridge.”

Having worked in business locally and internationally for many years, Nat brings a wealth of experience to the role. He is still the controlling shareholder in the Purico Group of Companies.

Nat now presides over charities which provide education for young people in India, Nepal and the UK. He has set up scholarships at several universities and established the Indian Institute of Advance Research in Gandhi Nagar, Gujarat, which was opened by the President of India in April, 2006.

“Nat has been a long-standing supporter of Nottinghamshire cricket and he has strong links within the game, both in UK and India,” said Nottinghamshire Chairman Peter Wright.

“We are delighted that he has agreed to be appointed President of our club.

“Bill Russell provided me personally, and the club, with tremendous support during his time as President and we are grateful for the contribution that he has made. I am very much looking forward to working with Nat in a similar vein.”