Government confirms Sir Ian Cheshire as new Ofcom Chair

The Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has confirmed that Sir Ian Cheshire will take on the role as Chair of Ofcom. We will succeed Lord Michael Grade whose term ended at the end of April 2026. The appointment was expected after the parliamentary committee endorsed him to take on the role.

“Sir Ian brings exactly the kind of leadership experience that Ofcom needs as it enters this next critical chapter.  

The Online Safety Act must be enforced robustly and without compromise, and Ofcom has a central role in making the UK the safest place to be online. 

From protecting consumers and tackling online harms to driving growth across our communications sectors, the regulator has never had a more important role to play. I look forward to working with Sir Ian as he leads Ofcom into this next phase.”

Liz Kendall, Technology Secretary

The position wasn’t plain sailing as two other names had been suggested as being stronger candidates, with Ofcom’s online safety remit in mind. It seems that the government has decided to stick with its preferred option despite Sir Ian Cheshire not being known to have any experience in online safety.