IRELAND. Prime Arena Holdings, which is developing a major new arena in Dublin for winter sports, has named Susan Whelan (right) as Independent Chairperson.
Whelan is well-known in travel retail circles for her long-time role as Senior Executive Vice President at King Power International Group (Thailand), having previously worked at ARI.
She is also widely recognised for her transformative leadership as Chief Executive of Leicester City Football Club (owned by the Srivaddhanaprabha family that controls King Power). There she played a central role in delivering one of the most remarkable success stories in modern sport, including the club’s historic English Premier League title win in 2016 and its FA Cup win in 2021.
Her appointment marks a milestone for Prime Arena Holdings as the project continues to progress toward planning submission and government grant approval.
The developer said in a statement, “Susan’s proven ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments will be instrumental in guiding the next phase of the project.”
Whelan has held numerous board and trustee positions across sport and philanthropy, including roles with The Ireland Funds, the Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Foundation and the Premier League’s Audit and Remuneration Committee. She is widely respected for her commitment to ensuring that major sporting organisations create social and community impact.
Prime Arena Holdings CEO Dermot Rigley said: “We are delighted after a lengthy process, to welcome Susan as Independent Chairperson. The selection process was rigorous, with candidates assessed against criteria including leadership, governance, culture and commercial strengths with Susan emerging as a clear winner.
“Her track record of leadership, integrity and delivery at the highest levels of sport makes her exceptionally well placed to guide Prime Arena. Her experience strongly complements our ambition to develop a world-class, multipurpose venue for Ireland and having a fully independent Chair will provide additional strengthen to the board.”
Whelan added: “Prime Arena is a uniquely ambitious project with the potential to transform Ireland’s sporting and event landscape. It is very surprising that an arena likely this, which is common in cities and countries across the world, has not yet been constructed here. I’m excited to work with the board and team to help deliver a truly world-class venue that serves the people of Ireland for generations to come.”
The Prime Arena will feature two Olympic-sized ice rinks, a 6,000-seat/8,000-standing capacity for events and a 1,500-capacity conference space. Positioned as a home for Irish Winter sports, the facility will also be home to a new professional ice hockey franchise. ✈
