Rose Read
Rose Read is a transformational leader in football club governance and people strategy. She has served over 15 years at Brighton & Hove Albion FC, where she now sits on the club’s main board and helps shape culture, safeguarding, diversity and inclusion across the organisation. Her work supporting the growth of the women’s team – and her role on the board of the club’s foundation and the women’s board – underscores her commitment to embedding equality and progression throughout the football ecosystem.
Nadine Kessler
Nadine Kessler is a globally respected football executive and former elite player who now serves as Managing Director of Women’s Football at UEFA, driving strategic development of the game from grassroots through to elite competitions. A former FIFA World Player of the Year and European champion, she has seamlessly translated her on‑field success into leadership that champions growth, professionalism and broader participation across women’s football in Europe.
Nikki Doucet
Nikki Doucet is the CEO of WSL Football. Her strategic vision places players, fans and commercial innovation at the heart of the women’s professional game in England, helping to set new benchmarks for growth and visibility.
Jemma White
Jemma White is a respected women’s football operations and leadership professional currently serving as Head of Women’s Football at Charlton Athletic. Appointed ahead of the 2024/25 season, she brings extensive experience in football operations, management and coaching – having previously worked at St George’s Park and led women’s programmes at Dronfield Town FC. At Charlton, Jemma drives strategic development of the women’s pathway, helping strengthen the club’s performance, ambition and support structures as the women’s game continues to grow in visibility and competitiveness.
Michele Kang
Michele Kang is a transformative force in women’s football and one of the most influential investors in the sport today. She is the majority owner of three professional women’s teams including London City Lionesses, who earned promotion into the Women’s Super League under her ownership. Kang also founded Kynisca Sports International, the world’s first multi‑club organisation focused solely on professional women’s football. He continues to invest strategically in infrastructure, training facilities and global visibility for the women’s game – helping to elevate standards, foster international connections and inspire the next generation of players.
Ebru Köksal
Ebru Köksal is a trailblazing global football executive and advocate for the sport, serving as Chair of Women in Football UK. Her career spans senior leadership roles with major clubs and football organisations, where she has championed women’s leadership, diversity and inclusive governance across football’s commercial and institutional landscape.
Debbie Hewitt MBE
Debbie Hewitt MBE is the first woman to chair The Football Association, providing strategic leadership at the top of English football governance. Her stewardship of the FA reinforces broader initiatives to elevate and expand opportunities in women’s football, demonstrating the impact of inclusive leadership at the highest organisational levels.
Joelle Murray
Joelle Murray is a legendary figure in Scottish women’s football, having made over 500 appearances for Hibernian Women and earned 48 caps for Scotland before becoming the club’s manager. As the first woman at Hibernian to sign a professional contract and one of the most decorated players in club history, she has inspired generations of players and continues to shape the game from the touchline.
Rachel Pavlou
Rachel Pavlou is a pioneering architect of women’s football development in England. She serves as the Women’s Development Manager for EDI at The FA and played key roles in launching the FA Women’s Super League and national participation and talent initiatives. A respected advocate and FIFA Women’s Football development expert, her work has helped to build the structures that support participation pathways and long‑term growth of the game.
Simone Pound MBE
Simone Pound MBE is Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), where she has championed inclusive education, anti‑discrimination initiatives and support frameworks for players since the introduction of the first professional women’s team into the union. Her leadership in developing EDI strategy, workshops and campaigns helps create safer, more equitable environments for women and girls across football.
Vic Akers OBE
Vic Akers OBE is one of the most iconic figures in English women’s football history. He led Arsenal Ladies to unparalleled success – including multiple domestic titles and European honours – and then contributed decades of service to the sport. His pioneering work in building one of the most successful women’s clubs laid foundations that helped propel women’s football into the mainstream.