Why Leicester CEO was awarded OBE in Queen’s Birthday Honours List
By Alice Wright
Leicester City Chief Executive, Susan Whelan, has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s 2022 Birthday Honours.
Background on Susan Whelan
Whelan has been on the board of directors at Leicester since 2010, assuming the position one year later. She had previously built a reputation as one of the most respected executives in the retail sector, working for King Power
The Dublin-born CEO is also a Deputy Lieutenant of Leicestershire and an Honorary Doctor of Laws at the University of Leicester. That emerged in January 2019 in recognition of the club’s success under her leadership, Along with their service to the community and contribution to the prosperity and reputation of the city.
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Role at Leicester City
Under her leadership, Leicester have gone from the Football League to Premier League Champions and lifting the FA Cup for the first time in our history. Whilst the outfit also secured top-half EPL finishes for five consecutive seasons.
She has a particular passion for supporter engagement; shown through her investment and focus, whilst also introducing the LCFC Foxes Foundation in 2012. Renamed the Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Foundation following the tragic passing of our beloved Chairman, who was of great significance to the city and also grabbed international media interest, all navigated under Whelan’s guidance.
Following the launch of LCFC Women in 2020 and their promotion to the Barclay’s FA Women’s Super League a year later, the Club showed drive in promoting the benefits of sport. In addition to providing a pathway for female talent.
On the OBE, Whelan said:
"“I am humbled and truly privileged to accept such an honour. I’ve been fortunate to work with some remarkable people in the last 12 years – Club personnel, city stakeholders and community representatives – all of whom are so passionate about Leicester, Leicestershire and its people.“Leicester City remains enormously ambitious about its role in supporting Leicestershire’s future development, from a sporting, social and economic perspective. I’m personally very proud of the progress we have made together to date and excited about our onward journey.”lcfc.com"
How she was awarded this accolade
The OBE is awarded in recognition o services to football, the economy in the East Midlands and the wider community in Leicester. Leicester City Chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha added:
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"“This is a most deserved honour for Susan – someone who has worked so hard and with such humility to help our Club, its supporters and communities realise our dreams.Leicester has been fortunate to experience some truly wonderful moments in the last 12 years, but there have also been challenges to overcome. Susan has played a big role in using those circumstances to unite people, making sure we learn from the experiences and always moving the Club forward. Everyone at the Club is extremely proud of her achievements and I offer my personal congratulations on such a prestigious honour.”"