Ofcom has today confirmed that, with the term of the current Chair of Channel 4, Sir Ian Cheshire, coming to an end next year, it will soon begin the recruitment process for his successor.
Sir Ian has served as the Chair of Channel 4 since April 2022 and his term will end on 10 April 2025.
The appointment will be made for a three-year term running to April 2028 and will be subject to the approval of the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.
Sir Ian Cheshire said:
It has been an immense privilege and honour to serve as Chair of Channel 4 and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together to secure Channel 4’s public ownership, launch a truly progressive Fast Forward strategy accelerating the channel’s transformation into the first public service streamer, and grow the organisation’s contribution to life in the UK, with the channel‘s biggest ever intervention in the UK creative industries.
Today, Channel 4 is leading the way in digital disruption, taking on international competition and launching award-winning programmes and films, having enjoyed in recent years its most successful year for TV awards in its history, with multiple Academy Award wins for Film 4, the biggest and most inclusive Paralympic Games to date and launching a slate of new and returning hits ranging from The Piano to Big Boys, The Jury to The Couple Next Door.
With a streaming audience that is growing ahead of the market Channel 4 continues to be a beacon of disruptive creativity and unique in its ability to push boundaries, nurture new voices, and reach and inspire diverse audiences.
With a strong management team, led by the brilliant Alex Mahon, a Board who bring deep industry knowledge and enthusiasm, and a clear strategy for the future, I have no doubt that Channel 4 will go from strength to strength in coming years and feel genuinely lucky to have had the opportunity to contribute to Channel 4’s amazing history.
Lord Grade, Ofcom Chair, said:
Channel 4 stands as a distinctive British cultural cornerstone. The role of its Chair is crucial in ensuring its continued sustainability and its ability to serve audiences across the UK. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Sir Ian for his outstanding three years of dedicated service.