The governing body of football in Britain, Football Association (FA) has appointed former British civil servant Ian Watmore as its new chief executive. Watmore will join his new office in June this year after serving the notice period at the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills where he is working as a secretary. After being appointed as the chief executive of FA, Watmore said that he is very excited to take up his new role. The 50-year-old Watmore assured to work efficiently to bring success across all levels of the game.

 

Former Arsenal managing director Keith Edelman was also in run for the post of FA chief executive. The association felt the need to appoint new chief executive as Brian Barwick ended his tenure at the end of last year. According to media reports, although Watmore was a civil servant, but he holds a good track record in the industry. He served as a managing director of information technology giant Accenture in England. Apart from it, he maintained an amicable relationship with FA chairman, David Triesman.

 

Commenting on the appointment of Ian Watmore, FA chairman said that the association had a strong list of candidates for the post but Watmore stood out to be the most apt official. Triesman added that Watmore is expected to be the right person to lead FA. David Triesman said that the association not only works for the uplifment of football in England but also strives to govern the game.