Charles Gurassa to be next chairman of Channel 4


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Editor

| 27 January 2016




The UK’s broadcast regulator Ofcom has announced the next chairman of the country’s fourth largest broadcaster, Channel 4.



The regulator is required under the UK Broadcasting Act 1990 to appoint non-executive members to the board of the part state-funded station, subject to the approval of the Secretary of State, and has appointed Charles Gurassa for the role. The appointment as chairman for three years has been approved by the UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, John Whittingdale.

Gurassa — currently deputy chairman of EasyJet, chairman of the Genesis Housing Association, a Trustee of English Heritage and a senior independent director for Merlin Entertainments — will join the Channel 4 Board on 28 January, succeeding Lord (Terry) Burns whose term ends on 27 January. The new chairman also boasts experience of working in the media, being a former chairman of Virgin Mobile and Lovefilm, and a former deputy chairman of the National Trust.

Commenting on the announcement, Gurassa said: “I am excited to be joining Channel 4, which has a unique place in UK broadcasting. I look forward to exploring Channel 4's important contribution in a rapidly changing sector.” Ofcom chairman Dame Patricia Hodgson added: “I am delighted that we have appointed a chairman of Charles’ calibre to Channel 4. He brings with him a wealth of experience built up across a broad range of sectors.”