"These are exciting times for netball and we have every confidence that Clare will build on our success and create new and innovative opportunities to grow and showcase netball on the world stage."

Netball's profile is on the raise and set to be one of the most popular sports at this year's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow ©Getty Images

Briegal has a commercial background, working for international companies such as ICI Acrylics and Twyford Bathrooms in senior sales and marketing roles, and holds an MBA from Manchester Business School, an MA in natural sciences from the University of Cambridge and an MA in biochemistry from Bryn Mawr College in the United States. 

Briegal is also currently deputy chair of Warrington and Halton Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust.

"I am looking forward to the challenge of driving netball forward, building its profile and welcoming new partners and sponsors to further strengthen our sport," said Briegal, a former rower who represented Cambridge University.