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01|03|07

Ofcom Board changes

Philip Rutnam to join Ofcom Board as Executive Member

Ian Hargreaves appointed as Senior Partner in Executive role on Ofcom Board

Ofcom today announced two Executive appointments to its Board.

Ofcom Partner, Spectrum Policy Philip Rutnam has been promoted to the Ofcom Board. Philip Rutnam joined Ofcom in May 2003. He leads on the development of Ofcom’s spectrum policy, with responsibilities including spectrum liberalisation, spectrum auctions and the Digital Dividend Review – the project intended to ensure the maximum public benefit from the spectrum released by the switch to all-digital television broadcasting between 2008 and 2012.

A former senior Treasury official, Philip Rutnam’s career includes working in corporate finance at Morgan Stanley in Hong Kong, a period as Private Secretary to the Financial Secretary and responsibility for the Treasury’s interest in business and enterprise.

Separately, Ian Hargreaves has been appointed as Senior Partner in a new Executive role on the Ofcom Board, with responsibility for leadership of Ofcom's engagement with European and international bodies. He will also have oversight of Ofcom’s Secretariat function, corporate governance and engagement with stakeholders in the Nations and Regions; the Corporation Secretary Graham Howell will report to Ian Hargreaves with immediate effect.

Ian Hargreaves joined the Ofcom Board as a Non-Executive Member in December 2002. The former Group Director of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs at BAA plc, his previous appointments include Editor of The Independent newspaper, Editor of the New Statesman magazine, Deputy Editor of the Financial Times and Director of BBC News and Current Affairs.

Both will report to Ofcom Chief Executive Ed Richards. Ian Hargreaves’ appointment is with immediate effect; Philip Rutnam’s appointment will take effect at the end of the month.

Ofcom Chairman David Currie said: "Ofcom has benefited greatly from Philip and Ian's knowledge and experience over the last four years. I am delighted that Philip will be joining the Board and that Ian will be taking on Executive responsibility for increasingly important aspects of Ofcom’s work.”

Philip Rutnam said: "Ofcom faces a number of complex policy challenges in the years ahead. I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the organisation's strategic direction as a member of the Board."

Ian Hargreaves said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a Non-Executive Member. Ofcom’s approach to the sector is of growing interest to a wide number of people and organisations across the UK, EU and internationally. I look forward to building on Ofcom’s relationships with these important audiences."

Ends.

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