New chairman appointed at Ofcom

Ofcom has just received a new chairman.

The British government has appointed Lord Terry Burns to the position, following a Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee pre-appointment hearing.

Karen Bradley, the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, has now confirmed the appointment.

Burns was until January 2016 the chairman of Channel 4, having served for six years at the public service broadcaster.

He has also served as chairman of a number of private and public-sector organisations, including Marks & Spencer, Santander UK, Welsh Water, the National Lottery Commission and The Royal Academy of Music.

From 2004–2006, Burns was independent adviser to the Secretary of State on the BBC Charter Review. He sits as a cross-bench peer in the House of Lords.

Dame Patricia Hodgson is stepping down as chairman of Ofcom at the end of the year. Burns will take up the role from 1 January 2018.

“I am very pleased to have the opportunity to take on this role at an important time for Ofcom. The UK communications sector provides essential services to everyone in the UK and is critical to the future success of the economy,” said Burns.

Sharon White, Ofcom chief executive, said, “Lord Burns brings with him a wealth of experience and I am looking forward to working together as we deliver on Ofcom’s priorities.

“I am incredibly grateful to Dame Patricia Hodgson, who has provided expert stewardship to Ofcom as chairman and deputy chairman over the past six years. Colleagues across Ofcom thank her for the contribution she’s made.”

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/3dmentat

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