The British government has named Sir Ian Cheshire as its preferred candidate for the position of Ofcom Chair.

Ofcom is the UK's media regulator and is currently chaired by former BBC chair Michael Grade, who will stand down from the role at the end of the month.

In the government's announcement today, Secretary of State for Science and Technology, Liz Kendall, noted that Cheshire will be appointed for a four-year term, subject to a parliamentary hearing.

Cheshire has previously served as the chair of Channel 4, a role which he held for three years until April 2025. He was also the boss of the B&Q owner, Kingfisher, for six years.

As noted by the government, the Chair of Ofcom is in charge of overseeing that the regulator delivers its statutory responsibilities, including overseeing the implementation and enforcement of the Online Safety Act.

"Sir Ian has a proven track record of leading complex organizations through periods of significant change, and that is exactly the kind of leadership Ofcom needs right now," said Kendall.

"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. 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," added Cheshire.

As the preferred candidate for the role, Cheshire will be subject to a pre-appointment hearing by the Science, Innovation and Technology Select Committee, before a final appointment decision is confirmed.

The chair of the regulator earns £120,000 ($161,000) per year for a commitment of three days per week, notes Ofcom.