Search for New Ofcom Chairman to Begin

The ministers are expected to start hunting for a new chairman of the communication regulator, Ofcom, as Lord Grade of Yarmouth prepares to step down after a single term.

Background

Lord Grade, an experienced media executive who has held top positions in the BBC, ITV, and Channel 4, has served as Ofcom’s chairman since May 2022. His four-year term has not ended for another 11 months, and there was no suggestion that he would leave the role before this point. However, insiders say there is little prospect that he wants to be considered for a second term in the job.

Recruitment Process

The Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), which now leads the supervision of Ofcom in Whitehall, is building preparations for the start of a recruitment process in the coming months. The search for a new chairman will take place amidst a significant expansion of Ofcom’s responsibilities, including the regulation of online harm.

Ofcom’s Responsibilities

Ofcom is responsible for regulating the British telecommunications industry, making it one of the largest economic regulatory authorities in the UK. The body also regulates companies such as Royal Mail, as well as the BBC. Additionally, Ofcom has a role in the appointment of directors in the state-owned Channel 4, which is currently seeking a new chair and chief executive.

Future Responsibilities

The regulator may also receive regulatory supervision of the rapidly growing data center industry. One of the tasks of Lord Grade’s successor will likely be long-term succession planning for senior managers. Dame Melanie Dawes, Ofcom’s chief executive, has held the role since 2020, although there is no indication that she wants to step down at short notice.

Potential Candidates

It is unclear whether one of the existing board members of Ofcom could try to take over from Lord Grade. The board of non-executive directors includes recently appointed Lord Allan of Hallam, a former MP, and Ben Verwaayen, the former chief executive of the BT Group. Mr. Verwaayen will step down from the Ofcom board at the end of the year.

Government Initiative

The hunt for Ofcom’s next chairman will come amidst an initiative by the government to upgrade the UK’s economic regulatory authorities, while looking for ways to remove bureaucracy from the private sector. The Department of Science, Innovation and Technology was contacted for a comment, while Ofcom declined to comment.