Terry Burns appointed Chairman of Channel 4

5 November 2009

Ofcom announced today (November 5th, 2009) that Lord (Terry) Burns has been appointed as the next Chairman of Channel 4. He will join its Board immediately as Chairman-Designate. He succeeds Luke Johnson who retires on 27 January 2010 following two three-year terms.

Terry Burns is Chairman of Abbey National plc, Glas Cymru Ltd (Welsh Water) and the Royal Academy of Music.  He is also a Non-Executive Director of Banco Santander S.A. and the Pearson Group plc and President of The National Institute of Economic and Social Research.   He is a former Chief Economic Advisor and Permanent Secretary to HM Treasury, Chairman of Marks and Spencer plc and an Independent Adviser to the Secretary of State on the BBC Charter Review. 

Ofcom Chairman Colette Bowe said "I am delighted that we have been able to appoint someone of Terry Burns' calibre. He has an outstanding record of public service and a real depth of commercial expertise. He will provide strong leadership at a time of considerable change in the broadcasting world. I would also like to pay tribute to Luke Johnson's tremendous contribution to Channel 4 in a period during which it has enjoyed considerable success."

Lord Burns said "I am delighted to be joining Channel 4.  This is a time of great change as we experience the impact of the rapid development of digital technology in the communications sector and Channel 4 has a very special and continuing role to play."

Lord Burns' appointment as Chairman for three years from 2010 has been approved by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Ben Bradshaw MP.

Notes to Editors

1.      Under Section 23 of the Broadcasting Act 1990, Ofcom is responsible for overseeing the appointment of the Chairman of the Channel 4 Board, subject to the approval of the Secretary of State.

2.      Due to a vacancy, Lord Burns will join the Channel 4 Board with immediate effect.