Ofcom confirms Charles Gurassa as new Channel 4 chairman

Charles Gurassa, currently deputy chairman of EasyJet, has been appointed by regulator Ofcom as the new chairman of Channel 4 as the debate continues over whether the broadcaster should be privatised.

Gurassa, who has plenty of City experience as former Thomson Travel chief and current non-executive director at Merlin Entertainments, as well as ample cultural kudos as chairman of the Genesis Housing Association and a trustee of English Heritage, will join the Channel 4 board on 28 January.

He will succeed Lord Burns, whose term ends on 27 January.

The three-year appointment was approved by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, John Whittingdale MP, whose department is examining options for the broadcaster's future, including privatisation, with a review due to conclude in the coming weeks.

Ofcom chair Dame Patricia Hodgson said: “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.

“I would also like to thank Lord Burns, Channel 4’s Chairman for the past six years. He has made a tremendous contribution to the success of Channel 4.”

Ofcom is required under the Broadcasting Act 1990 to appoint non-executive members to the Channel 4 Board, subject to the approval of the Secretary of State.