Nick Browne, Essex's former opening batter, has taken his first step into a post-playing career by joining the club's women's set-up as assistant coach and batting lead.
Browne, 34, announced his retirement at the end of the 2025 County Championship season, having amassed nearly 10,000 runs across all formats, including 22 centuries and a best of 255 against Derbyshire in 2016.
His appointment follows that of Stephen Parry, the former left-arm spinner, who was last week announced as Essex Women's new head coach, following the departure of Andy Tennant earlier this year. Cath Dalton, the club's former academy coach, has also been named as seam-bowling lead to complete the squad's overhaul, after a disappointing maiden season as a Tier 1 women's team last year.
Browne said: "I am really enthusiastic at this new challenge and chapter. I spent some time with Essex Women during the summer and I thoroughly enjoyed it, so to be offered the role full-time is really exciting.
"Following my retirement at the end of the season, I was determined to get into coaching and share some of the knowledge I have gained over the years.
"To be given this role by the club is extremely fortunate and I want to thank everyone involved in trusting me as I embark on the next stage of my career.
"The group we have here is very talented and I hope that I can help deliver success for the Essex Women in the short and long term."
Chris Silverwood, Essex's director of cricket, said: "Nick was the perfect fit to take on the role as Essex Women's assistant coach and batting lead and we are really happy that he has agreed terms to his new role at the club.
"Throughout his playing career Nick displayed a tremendous amount of professionalism and dedication to his game and Essex Cricket. His professionalism, calm leadership, and deep understanding of the game makes him a more than ideal mentor for our Women's team.
"Nick will offer the ability to develop players both technically and mentally and I have every confidence that his influence, alongside Stephen Parry, will elevate our group of Essex Women cricketers and inspire them to reach new heights."