Former Channel 4 chair Sir Ian Cheshire chosen to steer Ofcom
Sir Ian Cheshire, the former chairman of Channel 4, has been named the government’s preferred candidate to lead communications watchdog Ofcom.
Technology Minister Liz Kendall highlighted Ofcom’s vital role, saying it was “at the heart of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the country”.
His four-year term will be subject to a hearing in parliament.
Sir Ian’s extensive experience includes previous leadership positions at Barclays UK and Debenhams, as well as heading the public broadcaster between 2022 and 2025.
He is set to take over from Lord Grade of Yarmouth, whose term as chairman ends at the end of this month.
“Throughout my career in e-commerce, telecommunications and publishing, I have seen first-hand how important effective regulation is for consumers, businesses and the wider economy,” Sir Ian said.
“Ofcom has a critical job to do at a time when the way people communicate, access information and stay safe online is changing rapidly.
“I look forward to setting out my vision for how Ofcom can meet these challenges when I appear before the select committee.”
Ms Kendall said: “From protecting people online to supporting the growth of our communications sector, Ofcom’s work has never been more relevant to people’s lives.
“The organization is at the center of some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the country.
“Sir Ian has a proven track record of leading complex organizations through periods of significant change, and this is exactly the kind of leadership Ofcom needs right now.
“I would also like to express my gratitude to Lord Grade for his contribution as chairman.
“He has led Ofcom through a period of profound change and his leadership during the introduction of the Online Safety Act has been crucial.”
Ofcom is responsible for regulating a range of communications services, including internet, TV, radio and postal services.
Andy Burrows, chief executive of the Molly Rose Foundation, said Sir Ian “should be serving children and families up and down the country”.
He warned that Ofcom had been “so far slow, defensive and risk-averse” in tackling the online security task.
The charity was established after online content was found to have contributed to the death of 14-year-old Molly Rose Russell in 2017.
“There could never be a more important time for the new Ofcom chief to undertake a reset at the regulator and refocus its approach on urgently tackling online harm and ensuring robust enforcement of the Online Safety Act,” Mr Burrows said.
