The Premier League has confirmed the appointment of David Pemsel as the organisation’s new chief executive.

Pemsel, currently chief executive of Guardian Media Group, will begin his role “no later than April 2020” and replaces Richard Scudamore, who retired in 2018 after 19 years at the helm.

His appointment ends a protracted search after Susanna Dinnage, an executive at media group Discovery, accepted the position only to withdraw a matter of weeks later. The league’s second-choice candidate, Tim Davie, the chief executive of BBC Studios, then turned down the role.

Pemsel’s appointment was approved unanimously at a special league shareholders’ meeting on Wednesday by the 20 member clubs of England’s top-flight.

“I am thrilled to have been offered this incredible opportunity,” Pemsel said. ”The Premier League is the most-watched football league in the world and I am very excited to be a key part of that. As a football fan, I understand just how important the game is to supporters and our national identity and I am honoured to take the helm of such an influential and prestigious organisation.

Richard Scudamore retired from the position in 2018 (Getty)

“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. I am really looking forward to meeting the team and working with them on the evolution of the Premier League.”

Bruce Buck, chairman of Chelsea and the Premier League Nominations Committee which conducted the recruitment process, added: “We are delighted to welcome David to the Premier League. His straightforward style and personal integrity make him an ideal person to lead the business.

“At the Guardian, he has shown strong leadership through a period of change and transformation. Returning the group to profit is an impressive achievement and has demonstrated that he can develop and execute a transformational plan in an ever-changing business landscape. In addition, he has worked with the big players in digital and media and has managed diverse groups and constituencies.

“We are looking forward to working with David and are sure he will be a great asset to the Premier League.