Dawn Airey has been appointed interim chair of UK broadcaster Channel 4 as it gears up to navigate a potential privatisation process.
She replaces Charles Gurassa, whose six-year term as non-executive chair ends this week.
Airey joined the C4 board last month as a non-executive director.
As part of its hunt to replace Gurassa, which was led by search firm Russell Reynolds, Ofcom emphasised that the role required experience in ‘stewarding businesses through a sale’.
As Channel 5’s chief exec in 2010, she oversaw the sale of the business by European media group RTL to Richard Desmond’s Northern & Shell. Other roles she has held include managing director of channels and services for Sky, managing director of global content at ITV, and SVP of Europe, Middle East and Africa at Yahoo. She is currently chair of the National Youth Theatre, Barclays FA Women’s Super League and FA Women’s championship.
Her appointment as interim chair has been approved by culture secretary Nadine Dorries and she will remain in post until until a permanent chair is appointed.
“We are delighted that Dawn Airey has been appointed interim chair of Channel 4. She is an experienced chair, currently serving in this capacity for a number of organisations,” a C4 spokesperson said.
“Channel 4 would also like to take this opportunity to thank Charles Gurassa for his stewardship as non-executive chair since January 2016.”
This story first appeared on Screen’s sister site Broadcast.
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