"Susanna was the outstanding choice," says selection panel chairman Bruce Buck; Dinnage will begin her role early in 2019
Wednesday 14 November 2018 09:37, UK
Susanna Dinnage has been confirmed as the Premier League's new chief executive, succeeding Richard Scudamore from early 2019.
The decision comes after Scudamore decided to step down following nearly 20 years at the top of an organisation whose commercial template has become admired by sports rights-holders around the world.
Dinnage will begin her new role in January 2019 and will join from media organisation Discovery, where she has been the global president of the Animal Planet channel.
She told the Premier League's website: "I am excited at the prospect of taking on this fantastic role.
"The Premier League means so much to so many people. It represents the pinnacle of professional sport and the opportunity to lead such a dynamic and inspirational organisation is a great privilege.
"With the support of clubs and the team, I look forward to extending the success of the League for many years to come."
The Premier League is the world's richest domestic football competition.
A five-person panel, led by the Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck, was tasked with recommending a preferred candidate to a meeting of Premier League clubs this month.
"We are very pleased to appoint such a capable leader to this important role," Buck said of the appointment.
"We had a very strong field, but Susanna was the outstanding choice given her track record in managing complex businesses through transformation and digital disruption."
Scudamore has combined the roles of chairman and chief executive for the last four years.
The Premier League is now expected to begin looking for a new non-executive chairman.
Scudamore insisted the league will continue to attract fans around the world under "new and re-invigorated leadership".
