Chief executive Tom Sears is taking up a post with the New Zealand Cricket board and will be replaced by the club's head of commercial operations Keith Loring.

Sears played a prominent role in Derbyshire's financial revival after he arrived from Worcestershire in February 2005.

During his watch, the county followed a six-figure loss with profits in the last two years, a big increase in gate receipts and the highly successful return to Queen's Park.

''I think what I will look back on most fondly is turning around a financial position where we were looking over the precipice to making a regular surplus.

''But I'm also proud that we have seen a massive growth in gate revenue, improvements made to the ground and I'm glad I played a part in going back to Chesterfield.

''I think the signs are we are getting it right on the field as well and I'm sure if the club continues to back John Morris we will have a successful side.''

The recovery off the field has started to be reflected on it with a much improved campaign in the county championship despite a three-day defeat at Leicester last week.

A much-depleted side was beaten for only the third time and although Morris was angry at the way the team subsided, his players have taken steps forward in the four-day game.

They went through the summer unbeaten at home in the championship and although the signing of Rikke Clarke was a failure, the capture of Charl Langeveldt was a spectacular success.

The former South African Test paceman spearheaded a formidable attack that included another contender for player of the season in Graham Wagg who enjoyed another excellent summer.

Wagg is now a genuine all-rounder who has added left-arm spin to his seam bowling and aggressive batting and the 25-year-old's decision to extend his contract until 2010 is a significant one for Derbyshire.

Had Tom Lungley not been sidelined for long periods, Derbyshire might have come much closer to promotion but the competitive cricket they played over the last five months bodes well for next year.

Morris will be pleased with the championship cricket but knows the team fell away badly in one-day competitions after some good performances in the Friends Provident Trophy.

Derbyshire's head of cricket is already trying to add to the squad following the exit of Clarke and Nayan Doshi and plans to look again at former Yorkshire leg spinner Mark Lawson.

The 22-year-old was denied the opportunity to impress Morris when his right index finger was broken in the first innings at Leicester but he will get another chance.

''He's committed to going out to Australia this winter which I'm delighted to hear because it shows he wants to play,'' Morris said.
''He will join up again with us in pre-season and we will have another look at him.''