The Premier League has hired a new boss in Susanna Dinnage in the wake of Richard Scudamore’s departure.
Susanna Dinnage is currently global president of Discovery’s Animal Planet brand. The television executive will take up her new duties in the new year.
Dinnage has worked with Discovery since 2009. Previously, she ran it’s British and Irish operation, which included overseeing Eurosport. The Premier League, however, will be a much bigger task.
Richard Scudamore has been in charge of the Premier League since 1999. Earlier this year, he announced his intention to step down.
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The recruitment process was led by Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck, Burnley chairman Mike Garlick and Leicester chief executive Susan Whelan.
In an effort to split the roles, they will now search for a non-executive chairman.
In a statement, 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 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.”
It’s interesting to note the appointment of a television-focussed candidate rather than a sport orientated one. With the direction the Premier League is going, and with this appointment, it looks like TV revenues will keep increasing.
Companies like Sky and BT have pumped huge amounts of money into the Premier League, transforming it completely. It has turned the league into one of the world’s best, if not the best.
Although it might be detrimental to the English game as a whole, it is good news for top-tier fans. Due to the league’s massive wealth, even relatively modest top flight sides can field some of the world’s best players.
Despite talk of a European Super League, the growth of English Football’s top flight continues unabated.
