Sir Ian Cheshire has expressed his honour and delight at being named the new chairman of Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall confirmed on Wednesday that the 66-year-old, the Government's preferred candidate, will succeed Lord Michael Grade, whose four-year term concluded in April.
Background and Experience
Sir Ian chaired Channel 4 from 2022 to 2025 and has held senior roles at Kingfisher plc, Debenhams, and Barclays UK, in addition to serving on the Government's Pensions Commission. During his pre-appointment hearing on May 20 before the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, he indicated that his priorities would include addressing impartiality concerns regarding GB News. He also stated he would engage in serious discussions about whether sitting politicians, such as Reform UK's Nigel Farage, should be permitted to host current affairs programmes on the channel.
Current Challenges
Sir Ian assumes the role as Ofcom investigates Royal Mail's failure to meet delivery targets and implements the Online Safety Act. He remarked: "I am honoured and delighted to take on the chair of Ofcom at this vital time as it begins to tackle the new challenges of online safety while continuing to deliver its traditional oversight of telecoms and broadcasting. I am especially interested in the lived experience of our citizens and also seeing the data that allows us to measure the increase of our impact."
Government Support
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall stated: "Sir Ian brings exactly the kind of leadership experience that Ofcom needs as it enters this next critical chapter. The Online Safety Act must be enforced robustly and without compromise, and Ofcom has a central role in making the UK the safest place to be online. From protecting consumers and tackling online harms to driving growth across our communications sectors, the regulator has never had a more important role to play. I look forward to working with Sir Ian as he leads Ofcom into this next phase."
The search for Lord Grade's successor commenced in November 2025. Ofcom is responsible for regulating internet, TV, radio, and postal services across the UK.
