Jesse Ryder has committed his domestic cricket future to Essex for the next two seasons.
The New Zealand all-rounder has spent the majority of the summer at the County Ground, where he has scored runs and taken wickets in all formats of the game.
"We are all delighted that Jesse has extended his stay with the club and this is a really important signing," said Essex's head coach Paul Grayson.
"Jesse has shown this season that he is one of the best players in world cricket and I'm sure this will be exciting news for the club's members and supporters who get to watch him in action for another two seasons.
"He has fitted in really well to the dressing room and we feel that having Jesse in the team will only improve our hopes of challenging for silverware again in 2015."
Ryder, 30, scored an unbeaten century during Essex's ongoing County Championship Division Two clash against Worcestershire earlier today.
