Your browser is out-of-date!

Update your browser to view this website correctly. Update my browser now

×

Dame Elan Closs Stephens appointed acting chair of the BBC

Stephens will remain in post for the next few months while the government undertakes the appointment of a permanent chair

The UK government has appointed Dame Elan Closs Stephens as acting chair of the BBC following Richard Sharp’s resignation in April.

He will officially step down on 27th June.

Stephens has been a non-executive director on the BBC Board since July 2017, and prior to that was the trustee for Wales on the BBC Trust (2010 – 2017). She is also a former chair of the Welsh-language broadcaster, S4C, and is currently the Pro-Chancellor and Professor Emerita in Communications and Creative Industries at Aberystwyth University.

Speaking about her appointment, she said: “It’s a huge honour to be appointed by the secretary of state as acting chair and I am grateful to my fellow board members for putting their trust in me. As a board, we will champion the licence fee payer across all of the UK; ensure the BBC is a vital partner for the UK creative industries; maintain trust and drive change to make the BBC fit for a fast changing media landscape. There is much work to be done.”

Stephens will remain in post for the next few months while the government undertakes the appointment of a permanent chair.

The BBC board said: “Elan has been an active and distinguished member of the BBC Board who has brought huge energy and drive to her role as member for Wales. We are delighted that she is taking up the role as acting chair; she is the ideal choice.”