Lord Grade is confirmed as the new Ofcom Chair
Following a pre-appointment hearing with the DCMS Select Committee, Lord Grade has been appointed by the Secretary of State for 4 years from 1 May 2022 to 30 April 2026.
Lord Grade has had a long career in broadcasting, encompassing London Weekend Television, the BBC, ITV, as well as over nine years as Chief Executive of Channel Four Television.
In May 2004 he was appointed Chairman of the BBC, succeeding Gavyn Davies, resigning in November 2006 when his appointment as Executive Chairman of ITV was announced, a post he relinquished in 2009.
Lord Grade was non-executive Chairman of Pinewood and Shepperton Film Studios for 16 years. He is non-executive Chairman of Talent Bank and of the production company StoryFirst. He is also on the advisory board of Miroma SET (formerly R4E Plc), a media and entertainment marketing company.
Lord Grade is co-founder of the GradeLinnit company, a theatrical production company, having also been Chairman of Ocado, First Leisure Corporation, Camelot, the Charity Fundraising Regulator and Bradford’s Media Museum as well as being a member of the former Press Complaints Commission and a trustee of the Science Museum.
In January 2011 he became the Conservative Peer, Lord Grade of Yarmouth. However if he is appointed as Ofcom chair he will move to the cross-benches at the earliest opportunity. Lord Grade would also give up any non-executive roles that could cause a conflict of interest in him becoming Ofcom chair.
Notes
- This appointment process was run in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.
- Remuneration for the new Ofcom Chair will be £142,500 annual salary for 3 days per week.
- The Ofcom Board is appointed by the Secretary of State.
- In accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. Lord Grade is a Conservative peer in the House of Lords, however he will move to the cross benches if the appointment is confirmed. Lord Grade has not declared any further political activity in line with these requirements.