After eight years with Guardian Media Group, and five years as its CEO, David Pemsel is to leave for the Premier League to take over as chief executive.
Pemsel’s candidacy was approved unanimously at a meeting of shareholders on Wednesday morning, where Bruce Buck, Chairman of Chelsea Football Club and Chairman of the Premier League Nominations Committee, praised Pemsel for his “straightforward style and personal integrity.”
The appointment follows a lengthy search for a new Premier League boss after the departure of Richard Scudamore at the end of 2018.
“I have enjoyed my eight years at Guardian Media Group and want to thank everyone for their support and friendship, but now is the perfect time for me to take on the next challenge,” Pemsel said.
“I am really looking forward to meeting the team and working with them on the evolution of the Premier League.”
Pemsel, 51, is credited with leading GMG through a transformation into a digital, global media brand and has overseen the organisation’s first operating profits in its news business for 20 years, delivering record revenues in 2019.
“In highly turbulent times in the global media sector, David has been an outstanding chief executive and tireless in his pursuit of the company’s goals,” said Neil Berkett, chair of Guardian Media Group.
“Under his leadership GMG has restored its finances to a sustainable position and become a much stronger, better business. Everyone at the Guardian wishes him well and we are sure he will continue to thrive in his new role.”
Pemsel brings additional management experience from his earlier roles, which include: group marketing director at ITV; partner at boymeetsgirl, working with Channel 4, Disney and Discovery; and managing director at Shine, the TV and film production company.
He will join the Premier League no later than April 2020.
