Susannah Schofield OBE
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Modern Leadership: Visionary Business Leader and Director General, DSA UK
Susannah Schofield OBE is a visionary leader who has cultivated an extensive and diverse career spanning sales, sports promotion, alternative investments, publishing, public speaking, and advising the UK government.
Serving as Director General for the Direct Selling Association (DSA), Susannah spearheaded a high‑profile rebranding initiative, positioning the DSA not only as the authoritative voice for traditional direct selling but also as a champion of digital and social commerce—securing its place at the table with government and industry regulators. She continues to lead efforts to redefine the sector, reshaping it as a core pillar of the modern social selling landscape.
Under her guidance, the DSA ensures regulation of its members, protection of distributors, and safeguarding of end consumers, while also managing relationships with specialist suppliers.
A passionate advocate for inclusive and flexible work, Susannah was awarded OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 2016 for her outstanding efforts in supporting women and young people in business. She is a dynamic voice in workplace transformation and modern leadership, regularly speaking at major industry events such as the Retail Bulletin’s Omnichannel Futures, Seldia Direct Selling Conference, Direct Selling University, and DSA annual forums.
A passionate advocate for inclusive and flexible work, Susannah is a passionate advocate for women and young people in business, and she continues her commitment as a philanthropist, actively supporting young athletes and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Her diverse, unmatched leadership background includes an 18‑year career at Royal Mail—culminating in the role of Commercial & Innovation Director—where she led a 300‑strong team and delivered substantial new revenue initiatives. She’s also the entrepreneur behind businesses like Dice Matrix (consulting), Pitch Sports (fan engagement tech), and Best in Glass (innovative awards‑winning start‑up).
Additionally, Susannah is a Distribution Partner at Gateway Mastertrade, leveraging her extensive network cultivated throughout her career. She has collaborated closely with sports professionals, business leaders, high net worth investors, and cryptocurrency influencers, identifying and introducing innovative investment opportunities that complement existing portfolios.
Susannah’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to found Pitch Sports in 2017, where she spent six years integrating cutting-edge technology within the sports industry. Pitch Sports developed innovative fan engagement platforms that allowed supporters globally to connect and experience the camaraderie of shared sporting interests, enhancing fan experiences and community interaction.
An accomplished keynote speaker and published author, Susannah authored Mind the Gap – Creating Successful Strategy, drawing from her substantial business-to-business expertise. She is regularly invited to speak at national and international events, contributes commentary on current affairs to BBC Radio, and provides insights reflecting her extensive experience, including nearly two decades in board-level roles at Royal Mail Group PLC.
Susannah has also advised the UK Government, specifically on the Business Innovation and Skills advisory panel, and dedicated time to lecturing. As a certified Prism Neuroscience practitioner, she employs behavioural techniques to enhance performance, motivation, and strategic outcomes at personal, corporate, and team levels.