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28|01|04

Luke Johnson appointed as Chairman of Channel 4

Ofcom announced today that Luke Johnson has been appointed as the next Chairman of Channel 4.

Mr Johnson, 42, is the Chairman of Signature Restaurants (formerly Belgo Group). A well-known and successful entrepreneur, he is also a columnist on The Sunday Telegraph and a Governor of the London Institute, the body representing five of the world's most prestigious art and design Colleges.

Mr Johnson began his career with BMP Advertising Agency, subsequently joining Kleinwort Benson as a media analyst. Previous directorships include PizzaExpress, My Kinda Town, American Port Services, Abacus Recruitment, Whittards of Chelsea and Nightfreight.

Ofcom is responsible for overseeing the appointment of the Chairman of the Channel 4 Board. The search for a successor to the current Chairman, Vanni Treves, began last year with advertisements in the national newspapers. The selection process was managed by an executive search company. The selection panel consisted of Ofcom Chairman Lord Currie, Ofcom Deputy Chairman Richard Hooper, Ofcom Chief Executive Stephen Carter and, prior to the dissolution of the Independent Television Commission (ITC) in December 2003 and therefore for only part of the selection process, the ITC Chairman Sir Robin Biggam. The panel also included an independent assessor.

The appointment has been formally approved by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Tessa Jowell, and is for a period of 3 years with remuneration of £67,500 a year.

The Chairman of Ofcom, David Currie, said: “Luke combines an outstanding commercial and strategic track record with a passion for public service broadcasting and Channel 4. He has the ideal experience to guide the Channel 4 Board as it addresses the significant challenges ahead.”

“I would also like to pay tribute to Vanni Treves for his excellent stewardship of Channel 4, and wish him well for the future.”

Luke Johnson said: “Channel 4 plays a critically important role at the heart of UK public service broadcasting, with a brilliant track record at the forefront of innovation and creativity in television. I am very excited by this opportunity to help guide its development in the future.”

Ends.

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