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The English Premier League have announced its first-ever female chief, Tuesday as Susanna Dinnage was named Chief Executive, taking over from Richard Scudamore, who had held the post since 1999.
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Dinnage becomes the first female to be appointed chief since the league's inception in 1992, and will begin her role in January, 2019.
She is currently president of Discovery's Animal Planet, and has also worked for MTV, Channel 5 (U.K.), and Discovery, and is a self-professed Fulham fan. Her philosophy while at Discovery was, ‘You have to be bold, your ideas have to be bigger and you have to be first.’
Upon the announcement of her appointment as EPL Chief Executive, Dinnage said, "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 organization is a great privilege."
Outgoing executive, Scudamore - a lifelong Bristol City fan, wished Dinnage well, and insisted, "the league will continue to attract fans around the world under "new and re-invigorated leadership."
He has been a significant factor in the astronomical rise in worldwide TV rights deals, which are estimated to be $10.8 billion for the 2019-2022 seasons. When the 59-year-old took over, UK television rights were worth just $870 million -- they now currently stand at £5.7 billion.
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."
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