Interview of AO Chair Cooper sought for position on Channel 4 board
Channel 4 is one step closer to appointing a new chair, with a selection process currently underway. The candidates vying for the position include several prominent figures from various sectors, such as business, start-ups, and media.
Justin King, the former CEO of J Sainsbury's, is one of the contenders. Known in British business circles, King currently chairs several companies, including Allwyn and Ovo Energy. Another candidate is Wol Kolade, a city financier and substantial donor to the Conservative Party, who works with the private equity firm Livingbridge.
Debbie Wosskow, a start-up founder who already sits on the Channel 4 board, is also in the running. Geoff Cooper, the chairman of AO, an online electrical goods retailer, and former boss of Travis Perkins, has also been shortlisted. Simon Dingemans, a former Goldman Sachs banker currently on the board of WPP, has been reported as a contender by the Financial Times.
Geoff Cooper, one of the shortlisted candidates, was the most recently reported to have been interviewed. The appointment of a new chair is expected to occur by autumn, with the chosen candidate expected to lead the recruitment of Alex Mahon's successor, following her departure as CEO.
Dawn Airey, a media industry executive, has been serving as the interim chair at Channel 4 since Sir Ian Cheshire's departure earlier this year after one term. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has declined to comment on the recruitment process for the new chair at Channel 4.
It's worth noting that Alex Mahon, the long-serving CEO of Channel 4, is a vocal opponent of the broadcaster's privatisation. The chosen candidate for the position of chair is expected to play a crucial role in the recruitment of Mahon's successor.
Rumours suggest that Alex Burford, the boss of Warner Records UK, could be a possible contender for the position of Channel 4's CEO. However, these remain unconfirmed at this stage.
The new chair's appointment comes at an interesting time for Channel 4, as the broadcaster navigates the ever-changing landscape of the media industry. Stay tuned for more updates as the recruitment process continues.
The media industry and finance sector both have representatives in the race for Channel 4's new chair, as Debbie Wosskow, a start-up founder, and Wol Kolade, a city financier, are among the contenders. The new chair, once appointed, is anticipated to be instrumental in the recruitment of Alex Mahon's successor, asChannel 4 navigates the dynamic shifts within the business and war arena of the media industry.
