The Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs, and Culture today announced the appointment of George Walker as the Ofcom Board Member for Scotland.
George Walker is an experienced Non-Executive Director with a broad background across regulation, governance and consumer protection in the public sector. He is currently Senior Independent Director at The Pensions Regulator and Chair of Social Investment Scotland. He previously served as Chair of the Scottish Housing Regulator and Interim Chair of the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator.
George’s work has focused on organisations operating in increasingly digital and data-driven environments, with a strong emphasis on consumer trust. He has a long-standing interest in online safety and digital regulation, particularly the impact of communications services on individuals and communities. Earlier in his career, he worked in UK and international asset management, giving him a commercial perspective on how large organisations operate.
The appointment will run from 01 March 2026 to 28 February 2030.
George Walker: “I am delighted to be joining Ofcom as its Board member for Scotland and I look forward to contributing to the work of the Board. It is a hugely interesting time for Ofcom as it navigates an environment defined by rapid technological innovation across its regulated sectors. I am excited to work with other Board members and the Ofcom executive as it responds to these developments in a way that delivers good outcomes for people and businesses today across the whole of Scotland, as well as investment in the services of the future.”
Lord Grade, Ofcom Chair: “I am delighted George has been confirmed as the new Ofcom Board member for Scotland. He brings a wealth of knowledge, strong commercial acuity and wide range of non-executive expertise that will prove hugely valuable. His appointment will ensure that the Board continues to have a strong voice representing Scotland and will build on the good work done by his predecessor, Bob Downes.”
Angus Robertson MSP, Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture: “I am delighted to welcome George Walker’s appointment as the Ofcom Board Member for Scotland. Mr. Walker has a wealth of experience across the financial, public, and third sectors, and will bring valuable perspectives across the full range of Ofcom’s work. I look forward to working with Mr. Walker to ensure that Scotland’s interests are reflected and advocated for in all the vital regulatory work which Ofcom undertakes. I would also like to thank the outgoing Board Member, Bob Downes, for his excellent service on the Board over his two terms, over which time he has been an excellent representative for Scotland’s interests and audiences”
Notes to editors:
Ofcom is the independent regulator and competition authority for the UK communications industries. We have responsibilities across television, radio, video on demand, telecoms, wireless communications, postal services and online safety.
The Smith Commission Agreement, published on 27 November 2014, made several proposals specific to Ofcom, including the provision of a formal consultative role for the Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament in setting the strategic priorities for Ofcom with respect to its activities in Scotland.
The Agreement also recommended that Scottish Ministers should appoint a new member to Ofcom’s Board. This was given effect by the Scotland Act 2016.
The process relating to the appointment is set out in a Memorandum of Understanding between the UK Government, Scottish Government, Scottish Parliament and the Office of Communications. The appointee has the same UK-wide responsibilities as other non-executive members of Ofcom.
As Ofcom is a UK-wide public body, the reappointment is made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments.
Remuneration for this role is £42,519 for two days a week. The term of appointment will last for four years.