The Football League has appointed Richard Bowker CBE to the post of Independent Non-Executive Director. Bowker, 46, takes his seat on the League Board with immediate effect and joins League Chairman, Greg Clarke, in bringing an independent view to the League's decision making process.

With a proven track record in the transport industry at home and abroad, Bowker has previously served as Group Chief Executive of National Express, Chairman and Chief Executive of the Strategic Rail Authority, Vice Chairman of British Waterways and Group Commercial Director of Virgin.

Football League Chairman, Greg Clarke, said: "I am delighted to welcome Richard to our Board. He is a high class individual with impressive business credentials. He also has first-hand experience of leading a regulatory authority and a genuine passion for football.

"His job is to deliver greater levels of insight, independence and continuity to the League's governance process and I'm sure he'll be a first rate appointment."

Richard Bowker said: "I am honoured and delighted to be joining the Board of the Football League at such an important time. I look forward to working with the Board and Management Team to help promote and secure a strong future for everyone who is associated with, and enjoys watching, this fantastic league."

Bowker is only the second person to have held the post of Independent Director of the Football League since the introduction of the role in 2004. He replaces Ian Ritchie, who stood down at the end of February to become Chief Executive of the Rugby Football Union.

The Football League Board of Directors:

Greg Clarke - Chairman
Richard Bowker - Independent
Tom Glick - Derby County
Shaun Harvey - Leeds United
Keith Lamb - Middlesbrough
John Nixon - Carlisle United
Lorraine Rogers - Tranmere Rovers
Anthony Kleanthous - Barnet