Lewis commented, "Lorraine's appointment is great news for the Philharmonic. Music and sport have much in common. Both endeavours feature immensely talented individuals, who come together as a team to produce a singular, unified performance, whether it's on the concert platform, or in the sports arena. Each member of the team requires nurturing and support to achieve to the very best of their abilities and to realise their individual and collective goals."

Born in Liverpool, Rogers trained and qualified as a solicitor. She worked for the corporate finance teams of Barclays de Zoete Wedd and Hambros Bank Limited before joining Tranmere Rovers as non-executive director in 1998. She was appointed executive chairman the following year.

While at Tranmere Rovers FC, Rogers has stabilized the club's finances and developed initiatives to attract more sponsorship income and younger supporters and families. Over 30 percent of the club's match attenders are now 16 years old or younger, according to a statement.

Rogers, who is also director of Culture Northwest and a trustee of National Museums Liverpool, commented, "As a Liverpudlian, I am delighted to be invited to be chairman of the Philharmonic at what is one of the most exciting times in its long history. The Phil is rightly enjoying a renaissance, and has great ambition to play an even bigger part in the cultural life of the region: to be an ambassador for Liverpool, nationally and internationally as Liverpool prepares to be European Capital of Culture 2008."

Michael Elliott, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic chief executive, said: "Liverpool has an exceptionally strong, internationally recognized tradition in music and football that continues to spearhead its regeneration in the 21st century. Those of us working in the arts have an opportunity to learn from the experiences and developments in sport, particularly as we move towards 2008 and pre-figuring the Cultural Olympiad surrounding [the London Olympics in] 2012."