Sir Ian Cheshire, the former chairman of Channel 4, has been named the government's preferred candidate to lead the communications watchdog, Ofcom.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall underscored Ofcom's vital role, stating it is "at the heart of some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the country".
His four-year term is subject to a parliamentary hearing.
Sir Ian's extensive experience includes chairing the publicly owned broadcaster between 2022 and 2025, alongside previous leadership positions at Barclays UK and Debenhams.
He is set to take over from Lord Grade of Yarmouth, whose tenure as chairman concludes at the end of this month.
“Across my career in e-commerce, telecoms and broadcasting, I have seen first-hand how much effective regulation matters – for consumers, for businesses and for the wider economy,” Sir Ian said.
“Ofcom has a critical job to do at a time of rapid change in how people communicate, access information and stay safe online.
“I look forward to setting out my vision for how Ofcom can meet those challenges when I appear before the select committee.”
Ms Kendall said: “The work of Ofcom has never been more relevant to people’s lives, from protecting people online to supporting the growth of our communications sector.
“The organisation sits at the heart of some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the country.
“Sir Ian has a proven track record of leading complex organisations through periods of significant change, and that is exactly the kind of leadership Ofcom needs right now.
“I also want to pay tribute to Lord Grade for his contribution as chair.
“He has steered Ofcom through a period of profound change, and his leadership during the introduction of the Online Safety Act has been pivotal.”
Ofcom is responsible for regulating a range of communications services, including internet, TV and radio, and postal services.
Andy Burrows, chief executive of Molly Rose Foundation, said Sir Ian “must deliver for children and families up and down the country”.
He warned that “so far, Ofcom has been slow, defensive and risk-averse” in dealing with its online safety remit.
The charity was set up after online content was found to have contributed to the death of 14-year-old Molly Rose Russell in 2017.
“There couldn’t be a more crucial time for the new Ofcom chair to deliver a reset at the regulator and refocus its approach to urgently tackling online harm and delivering robust enforcement of the Online Safety Act,” Mr Burrows said.
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