Female TV executive becomes ‘first lady’ of football

THE Premier League has appointed female television boss Susanna Dinnage as its new chief executive.

The 51-year-old global president of Discovery’s Animal Planet will become the most powerful woman in British sport when she replaces Richard Scudamore, 59, early next year.

He will step down as the league’s executive chairman later this year, after almost 20 years in charge.

Miss Dinnage will become the first woman, and only the third person, to lead the Premier League, following Mr Scudamore and his predecessor Rick Parry.

It has not been revealed how much Miss Dinnage, pictured, will earn, but her predecessor had a basic salary of £900,000 a year, which rose to almost £2.5million after bonuses for negotiating broadcasting rights.

‘I am excited at the prospect of taking on this fantastic role’, Miss Dinnage said after her appointment was confirmed yesterday. She added: ‘The Premier League 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.’

Bruce Buck, Chelsea FC chairman who led the recruitment process, said: ‘Susanna was the outstanding choice given her track record in managing complex businesses.

‘She is a leading figure in the broadcasting industry, a proven business executive and a great developer of people.’

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