Clare Sumner

Chief Policy and Corporate Affairs Officer, Premier League

Clare Sumner joined the Premier League in January 2024 as the Chief Policy and Corporate Affairs Officer working with Government and Parliament, leading on equality and diversity, sustainability and issues supporting the game.

Clare oversees the Premier League's portfolio of investment in the wider community and grassroots football.

Previously Clare spent 10 years at the BBC, most recently as the BBC's Policy Director leading on government relations at UK and EU levels and the relationship with the BBC’s regulator, Ofcom.

In addition to this, Clare was the executive lead on Disability and helped set up a BBC Carers network.

Prior to this, Clare worked for the Civil Service in a variety of roles including leading the Civil Service Reform Programme, managing the Criminal Courts and working in the heart of Government both in the Cabinet Office and as Private Secretary to the Prime Minister leading on the legislative programme and Prime Minister’s Questions.

Over her career Clare has advised on a wide range of Government policy specialising in constitutional, media and criminal justice policy.

Clare is a working mum and in any spare time enjoys yoga. Clare has also held board level positions as a NED/trustee in the charity sector, the NHS and is currently the Chair of the Governance and Nominations Committee at King’s College, London.