Dinnage in Premier League U-turn
January 2, 2019
By Colin Mann
Discovery executive Susanna Dinnage looks set to stay at the broadcaster after deciding not to take up the role of CEO of the English Premier League, having been named Chief Executive in mid-November 2018.
A statement from the Premier League said that despite her commitment to the Premier League in early November, Dinnage had advised the Nominations Committee that she will not be taking up the position of Chief Executive. “The Committee has reconvened its search and is talking to candidates. There will be no further comment until an appointment is made,” said the Premier League.
Dinnage is currently Global President for Animal Planet, a position she was appointed to in November 2017, having previously worked as President of Discovery Networks UK and Ireland. She reportedly narrowly missed out on the role of chief executive at Channel 4.
At the time of her appointment, Dinnage said the role represented the “pinnacle” of professional sport, with Bruce Buck, chairman of Chelsea and the Premier League’s Nominations Committee, describing her as “the outstanding choice given her track record in managing complex businesses through transformation and digital disruption”.
Dinnage had been appointed to replace Richard Scudamore, the Executive Chairman, who announced in June 2018 he would be stepping down from the role, relinquishing his duties at the end of 2018.
Dinnage was to commence her new role early in 2019 at a date to be agreed with Discovery. It is unclear as to whether she is moving to a new role with her current employer.