Martin Glenn Appointed New Chair Of Professional Game Match Officials Limited
Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has announced the appointment of Martin Glenn as the organisation’s new Chair.
The former FA Chief Executive begins the role immediately and replaces Mike Foster, who has departed after almost seven years in that position which has formed a remarkable 50-year career dedicated to football administration.
Glenn is a vastly-experienced figure across both the sport and commercial sectors, with him being best known in football for his four-and-a-half years at The FA between 2015 and 2019, during which time he led a major organisational restructure to enable financial stability whilst redefining their culture.
He has also been CEO of United Biscuits and Birds Eye as well as Division President for PepsiCo’s Walkers Crisps business, while he has boosted his non-executive portfolio since leaving The FA, including a Chair role for the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation which has ensured he’s remained connected to the game prior to taking this position.
He will work closely with the PGMOL Board and its Chief Refereeing Officer Howard Webb and Chief Operating Officer Dani Every as the organisation enters a new era.
Tony Scholes, Chief Football Officer at the Premier League and PGMOL Board Member, said: “We’re delighted to be able to attract somebody of Martin’s experience and expertise to become the Non-executive Chair of PGMOL. He is an experienced non-executive director, who understands clearly the role of the Chair in helping to drive the strategy of the organisation forward in a time of substantial change for PGMOL.
“Martin earned the trust and respect of colleagues throughout the game during his time as the FA’s Chief Executive. He also sat on the International FA Board (IFAB), gaining knowledge of the issues and the people involved in world refereeing.
“That knowledge, combined with his business acumen and football experience will be of great assistance to PGMOL, its Chief Operating Officer Danielle Every and its Chief Refereeing Officer, Howard Webb, as we continue to move forward and drive refereeing standards as high as possible.”
Trevor Birch, Chief Executive of EFL and PGMOL Board Member, said: “Martin is an experienced leader who understands football administration and the EFL is delighted to see someone of his calibre appointed to such an important position within the game.
“With officiating more in focus than ever, Martin’s knowledge will help the Board, Howard, and the Executive with future challenges as they develop refereeing in this country for the benefit of the pyramid from top to bottom.”
Andy Ambler, Director of Professional Game Relations at the FA and PGMOL Board Member, said: “Martin joins the PGMOL at an important time for match officials in England. He is highly respected within the game and brings a wealth of leadership and Chair experience to this role.
“We are fortunate to have some of the best match officials in the world operating in our leagues every week, and Martin will work closely with the excellent management team at the PGMOL to ensure that our referees and match officials can continue to develop and thrive in the future.”
