Adams had joined the governing body in 2009 to manage the commercial and marketing team and was appointed director of commercial and marketing in 2012.

Under her guidance, England Netball has developed a reputation as a strong and visionary leader, managing the re-positioning of the brand and creating a sustainable commercial strategy, it is claimed. 

"I am honoured and excited to take on this role," said Adams.

"Netball is a sport with huge potential and we will be working with all of our stakeholders to make sure we fulfil it.

"I'd like to thank Paul Clark for the job he has done over the past few years and I look forward to helping the sport progress still further in terms of participation, as well as achieving increased on-court and commercial success."

Under Clark's leadership, netball has enjoyed unprecedented growth and success. 

Adams, who will officially take over her new role on January 21, was praised by England Netball chairman Cheryl Danson. 

"Jo has been an integral part of the growth of the sport over the last five years; she is an outstanding and respected leader with a strong commitment to make netball the first choice team sport for women and girls," she said.

"I am confident that under her leadership netball will go from strength to strength."

England Netball has enjoyed a productive period in recent years thanks to outgoing chief executive Paul Clark and Joanna Adams, who is being promoted from director of commercial and marketing to replace him ©Getty Images

As a key stakeholder, Sport England have strongly endorsed Adams' appointment.

"Jo Adams has played an important role in the success of England Netball in recent years and her appointment has our full support," said Phil Smith, director of sport at the Government agency who oversee National Lottery funding to England Netball. 

"We've always enjoyed working with Jo and look forward to continuing that in her new role."

Before joining England Netball, Adams had almost 20 years' experience in the sports industry, including working as commercial director for the Football Conference.

She was also previously a board director at Notts County Football Club, the world's oldest professional football club.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
August 2014: David Owen: The fate of water polo shows that England Netball should be careful what it wishes for
June 2014: England submits bid to host 2019 Netball World Cup in Liverpool