The Premier League has appointed Monzo Bank’s chairman Gary Hoffman as its new Chair following a unanimous vote by its shareholders.
Hoffman will take up the position, currently occupied on an interim basis by Claudia Arney, as from June 1.
On his appointment, Hoffman emphasised: “Football has been central to my life as a fan, an administrator and in my business career, so it is an honour to join the Premier League as Chair.
“During my time at the Football Foundation, I saw how the growth of the Premier League, to become the world’s most-watched sporting competition, helped it play an increasingly pivotal role in communities across the country.
“I am convinced this spirit of togetherness will help the game we cherish, and the Premier League, endure long into the future”
Hoffman has held footballing roles in the past having been chairman of the Football Foundation and vice-chairman of Coventry City FC. Moreover he was appointed to lead banking group Northern Rock though its government bailout prior to his role at Monzo.
The current chairman of Monzo Bank Limited, Hastings Group Holdings plc and Coventry Building Society will leave his position before joining the Premier League.
Bruce Buck, Chairman of Chelsea Football Club and Chairman of the Premier League Nominations Committee, added: “Gary was the outstanding candidate in an extensive and highly competitive search process, and we believe he will form a strong partnership with our Chief Executive Richard Masters, helping to guide the League while promoting new ideas and strategies.
“Gary has proved over decades, as an executive and a board leader, that he has the character to steer world-renowned organisations through both good times and crisis situations.
“At a vital moment in our history, Gary’s knowledge and skills are sure to help us through this very difficult period.”
The bankers financial expertise will be put to straight to the test after the Premier League has suffered increased costs after the COVID-19 pandemic suspended its season. Hoffman will work with Masters and other key figures who will be expected to create strategies to minimise the financial instability that the virus has caused.
