Television Executive Susanna Dinnage is set to become one of sport’s most powerful women, taking over the role of the Premier League’s Chief Executive from the start of 2019.

Named as the replacement for Richard Scudamore, who has been at the forefront of the Premier League’s success for almost 20 years, Dinnage prepares to take on one of the best-known sports properties on the planet.

Known for her successes throughout the last decade, Dinnage will be stepping down from her role as Global President of Animal Planet, having led the channel to where it is today through fierce negotiations of broadcast deals and leadership.

Bruce Buck, Chairman of the Premier League’s nominations committee spoke of the reasoning behind Dinnage’s new position, calling her “the outstanding choice” for the role. He added: “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.”

It certainly is a time of change for the Premier League, under threat from digital disruption and closely following a deal for digital broadcaster DAZN to show fixtures throughout Spain.

In addition to this, many of Europe’s top clubs including five from England have been looking into plans to create an invite-only Super League; a change which would cause enormous uncertainty for the Premier League.

Dinnage now prepares to take the helm, ensuring the continuation of large-scale deals for the Premier League.

She 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.”