Sir Ian Cheshire, the Chair of MediaCity owner, Land Securities and the former Chair of Channel 4, has been chosen as the government’s preferred candidate to lead Ofcom.
His appointment as Chair of the regulator is subject to a parliamentary hearing.
“The work of Ofcom has never been more relevant to people’s lives, from protecting people online to supporting the growth of our communications sector. The organisation sits at the heart of some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the country,” said Technology Secretary Liz Kendall.
“Sir Ian has a proven track record of leading complex organisations through periods of significant change, and that is exactly the kind of leadership Ofcom needs right now.
“I also want to pay tribute to Lord Grade for his contribution as Chair. He has steered Ofcom through a period of profound change, and his leadership during the introduction of the Online Safety Act has been pivotal.”
As well as being Chair of Land Securities Group plc, Cheshire is Chair of Spire Healthcare Group, the King Charles III Charitable Fund, We Mean Business and Institute for Government.
He was Group CEO of Kingfisher plc between 2008 and 2015 and was Chair of Channel 4 between 2022 and 2025.
Should his appointment be approved, he would succeed Lord Michael Grade, whose 4 year term as Chair concludes at the end of April 2026.
“Across my career in e-commerce, telecoms and broadcasting I have seen first-hand how much effective regulation matters – for consumers, for businesses and for the wider economy,” said Sir Ian Cheshire.
“Ofcom has a critical job to do at a time of rapid change in how people communicate, access information and stay safe online. I look forward to setting out my vision for how Ofcom can meet those challenges when I appear before the Select Committee.”
He will now be subject to a pre-appointment hearing by the Science, Innovation and Technology Select Committee, before a final appointment decision is confirmed.
