LONDON: Now that’s what one calls a strong strike for women power. The Premier League (PL) announced Tuesday that it has appointed the president of Discovery’s Animal Planet brand, Susanna Dinnage, as its new chief executive officer (CEO) to replace the outgoing Richard Scudamore in early 2019.
Dinnage will become one of the most powerful women in professional sport once she takes charge at the helm of the biggest football league on the planet (doffing our cap to her current employer) in terms of financial might.
Scudamore has been at the helm of the league since 1999 and announced his resignation earlier this year. However, he will stay with the team until December to ensure a smooth succession with Dinnage.
Chelsea FC and Premier League Nominations Committee chairman Bruce Buck said: “We are very pleased to appoint such a capable leader to this important role.
“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.
“She is a leading figure in the broadcasting industry, a proven business executive and a great developer of people. She is ideally suited to the role and we are confident she will be able to take the Premier League on to new heights.
“Richard Scudamore, having provided exceptional stewardship for almost 20 years, will leave us at the end of the year in great shape and with an excellent executive team and board able to fully support Susanna.”
Dinnage, commenting on her appointment, 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 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 opportunity to lead such a dynamic and inspirational organisation is a great privilege”
Discovery Networks International CEO and President JB Perrette said: “Susanna has been a terrific leader for Discovery over the last 10 years. She has a strong understanding of brands and running diverse media businesses both in the UK and more recently with Animal Planet globally.
“She has been a fantastic team-mate for all of us at Discovery and we are delighted that she has been given this unique and ground-breaking opportunity to lead one of the world’s pre-eminent sports organisations.”
