It is thought to be the first time that a woman has reached such heady heights on the county scene but as Chief Executive Derek Brewer said: "The appointment was a unanimous decision by the committee and reflects the excellent job Lisa did during her time as Acting Chief Executive."

Lisa, who was previously Sales & Marketing Manager, bridged the gap for six months at Trent Bridge while Notts were waiting for the successor to David Collier to arrive.

And Derek added: "Lisa will still have responsibility for sales and marketing but will also play a leading part in other areas as we move forward and focus on new challenges.

"We are a growing business which is becoming ever more complex and it's essential to have people with Lisa's qualities on board if we are to remain in the forefront of English cricket."

Lisa was Yorkshire's Marketing Manager for five years before moving to Trent Bridge in October 2000 and she said: "I'm delighted to be taking on more wide-ranging duties because I've always been interested in all aspects of the business.

"People often comment about the fact that I'm the only woman working in a senior role at a Test Match ground but I've never been intimidated by that.

"I love what I do. I work with a great team and although it's nice to get recognition for what has happened in the past, my main concern is the future and the big job which still has to be done at Trent Bridge."