Football Association appoints first female Chair in its 157-year history

After a unanimous nomination by the FA Board, Debbie Hewitt will be taking over from interim FA Chair Peter McCormick

Britian’s Football association has named Debbie Hewitt as first female Chair of the Football Association. She will take on this new role as of January 2022.

The board consisting of a seven member selection panel unanimously agreed that Hewitt has outstanding Chair and governance expertise.

She is currently the non-executive Chair of Visa Europe, The Restaurant Group plc, BGL Group and White Stuff. The Restaurant Group plc, is well known for owning Wagamama and Frankie and Benny’s.

In a statement Hewitt stated that ‘As the events in recent months have shown, this is a significant moment in time for English football, with a clear purpose for all stakeholders to secure the long-term health of the game at all levels,

English Football was also thrown into turmoil in recent months after a failed attempt by 12 European clubs, including six from England, to set up a breakaway European super league.’

“I’m looking forward to working alongside our CEO, Mark Bullingham, and the team across Wembley Stadium and St George’s Park, and relish the opportunity to chair an organisation that has the potential to be a very positive force for good throughout the game and across society.”

Kate Tinsley, an independent non-executive director at the FA says that this is an excellent appointment for the FA and English Football in general.

“Debbie was the outstanding candidate from a talented and experienced field. She immediately demonstrated her passion and ability to positively influence the direction of the FA on a domestic and global stage, providing strong and principled leadership along the way.”

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