Debbie Hewitt MBE to become first female FA Chair

Debbie Hewitt MBE is set to become the first female Chair of the FA after being nominated to replace former Chair Greg Clarke.

Subject to ratification from the FA Council, Hewitt will begin the role in January 2022 and succeed the interim Chair Peter McCormick OBE who took over after former Chair Greg Clarke resigned following offensive remarks he made at a hearing of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) select committee. Hewitt, who is currently the non-executive chair of Visa Europe, The Restaurant Group plc, BGL Group and White Stuff, was the unanimous choice of the seven-member panel that was led by independent non-executive FA director Kate Tinsley.

Tinsley said that Hewitt was the “outstanding candidate” and that she had “immediately demonstrated her passion and ability to positively influence the direction of the FA.” Hewitt said “I'm delighted to be nominated for the role of Non-Executive Chair of The Football Association. 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. I've been passionate about football from a very young age and I'm excited by the opportunity to play my part in shaping the future of something that means so much to so many.”

The FA Council will be asked to ratify the nomination at its next meeting on 22 July.

You can read the FA statement here.