Premier League turns to Masters as CEO

Interim English Premier League boss Richard Masters has been made the organisation’s permanent CEO.

Masters had been acting in the role for the past 18-months following the retirement of Richard Scudamore. His appointment was confirmed following a conference call vote on December 12. 

The newly-appointed CEO is the third person to accept the role since Scuadmore’s departure. Discovery’s Susanna Dinnage originally accepted the role in November 2018, only to withdraw her candidacy two months later in order to remain with the network. BBC Studios chief exec Tim Davie reportedly also turned down the position.

The second person to be announced as CEO was former Guardian Media Group CEO David Pemsel, but he resigned the position in November two months before starting the job following “media disclosures” of inappropriate sexual conduct with a former staffer. 

Masters is viewed by the league as a steady hand, and joined the organisation as director of sales and marketing in 2006. He was promoted to managing director in July 2015. 

Masters said: “I feel privileged to be given the opportunity to lead the Premier League in what will be one of the most exciting stages of its development. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the clubs and our partners and other stakeholders over the past year. This is one of the most incredible jobs in the world of sport and I now look forward to leading the League in the many opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.”

Bruce Buck, chairman of Chelsea FC and the Premier League Nominations Committee, said: “Richard took on the role of Interim Chief Executive a year ago.  Since then, the clubs have seen Richard rise to the occasion, dealing with our various stakeholders and partners with aplomb and skill.As Interim Chief Executive, he has faced challenges head-on and has proved himself. The clubs believe that this is the right appointment now in the long-term interests of the Premier League.”