July 26 – Alison Brittain will become the new chair of the Premier League in early 2023, becoming the first woman to lead the English top flight.
With clubs voting “unanimously in favour” of her appointment, Brittain, 57, will succeed current interim chair Peter McCormick, who took over from Gary Hoffman. The latter stepped down in November following Newcastle United’s takeover by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
“I have been a football fan since I was a child and so am absolutely delighted to be appointed chair of the Premier League,” said Brittain in a statement.
“The game is of enormous national importance, is loved by so many people around the world and can have a tremendous positive impact on communities.
“It will be a real privilege to be able to help to develop plans for the future and work with all the key stakeholders in the game to ensure its long-term sustainability and success.”
Brittain is currently the CEO of Whitbread PLC, one of the UK’s oldest public companies,
She previously held a number of senior roles in the British banking industry, serving as group director in the retail division of Lloyds Banking Group and as a board director at Santander UK.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters added: “Alison has had a positive impact on every organisation she has been a part of, so I am delighted she is joining the Premier League as chair.
“She has a tremendous track record in business, gets things done with a down-to-earth style and is well respected and liked in all the industries she has worked. She also has a keen interest in the game and how it can develop further and I am very much looking forward to working with her.”
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