The UK government has formally announced the appointment of Sir Ian Cheshire as Ofcom’s new chair. The role was confirmed after his recent pre-appointment hearing before the Science, Innovation and Technology select committee. – Wikimedia/Jim Linwood. Ofcom serves as the UK government’s regulator for media, broadcasting, telecoms, the internet and postal services.
In April, the government selected Cheshire as its preferred candidate to become the new chair, announcing he would serve a four-year term. He previously chaired Channel 4 for three years, a position he held until April 2026. He also served as the boss of Kingfisher, the owner of B&Q, for six years.
He succeeds former BBC chair Michael Grade, who left the position at the end of April.
“It’s a privilege to take on the role of chair of Ofcom to drive forward our important agenda, tackling some of the most pressing issues impacting society today.” Alongside my fellow board members and Ofcom’s talented team, I am looking forward to working closely with the government to deliver for UK citizens and consumers,” said Sir Ian Cheshire. In its announcement of his appointment, the government highlighted that a central priority of his role will be the successful implementation of the Online Safety Act.
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