Susanna Dinnage is to succeed Richard Scudamore as the Premier League's chief executive, the organisation announced on Tuesday.
Dinnage, who will leave her role as global president for Animal Planet at Discovery, will replace Scudamore early next year after he steps down from the position he has held since 1999.
"I am excited at the prospect of taking on this fantastic role," Dinnage said.
"The Premier League means so much to so many people. It represents the pinnacle of professional sport and the opportunity to lead such a dynamic and inspirational organisation is a great privilege.
"With the support of clubs and the team, I look forward to extending the success of the League for many years to come."
In her role at Discovery, Dinnage manages a number of TV channels such as Eurosport and Quest, as well as the Discovery Channel. She has been at the organisation since 2009 and previously held roles at Channel Five and MTV.
"We are very pleased to appoint such a capable leader to this important role," said Bruce Buck, chairman of Chelsea and the Premier League's nominations committee.
"We had a very strong field, but Susanna was the outstanding choice given her track record in managing complex businesses through transformation and digital disruption.
"She is a leading figure in the broadcasting industry, a proven business executive and a great developer of people. She is ideally suited to the role and we are confident she will be able to take the Premier League on to new heights."
Greg Dyke, chairman of the Football Association, added that he was "delighted" Dinnage had been appointed into the role.
"The FA and the Premier League have a strong and successful relationship and we look forward to building on that under Susanna's new leadership. As part of the selection process the FA was required to ratify the appointment -- and the FA Board was unanimous," Dyke said.
"Once again, we would like to reiterate our thanks to Richard Scudamore for his passion and dedication to English football over the past 20 years. On behalf of the FA, we would like to wish him the very best for the future."
Scudamore, 59, has been in his role at the top division in English football since 2014, having served as chief executive from 1999.
He moved to football from a previous role in newspapers, becoming chief executive of the Football League in 1997 before leading the Premier League for almost 20 years.
During his tenure Scudamore has overseen significant growth in attendance, viewing, reach and community involvement both in the UK and globally.
His time at the Premier League has seen the division experience a period of enormous growth, with its most recent broadcast deal worth more than £5 billion.
The Premier League has decided to split Scudamore's role with Dinnage taking over as chief executive. The search for a non-executive chair will now commence.