Mr Burns takes over as Ofcom Chairman

UK telecoms regulator Ofcom has announced the appointment of Lord Burns as its next Chairman.

Burns will Dame Patricia Hodgson at the start of next year. Hodgson’s predecessor was Dame Colette Bow and the founding Chairman was Lord Currie of Marylebone. You get the picture. Burns has plenty of Chairmaning experience, having occupied that role at Channel 4 for a while, as well as Marks & Spencer, Santander UK, Welsh Water, the National Lottery Commission and The Royal Academy of Music.

“I am very pleased to have the opportunity to take on this role at an important time for Ofcom,” said Burns. “The UK communications sector provides essential services to everyone in the UK and is critical to the future success of the economy.”

“Lord Burns brings with him a wealth of experience and I am looking forward to working together as we deliver on Ofcom’s priorities,” said Sharon White, Ofcom CEO. “I am incredibly grateful to Dame Patricia Hodgson, who has provided expert stewardship to Ofcom as Chairman and Deputy Chairman over the past six years. Colleagues across Ofcom thank her for the contribution she’s made.”

It’s not immediately obvious what the Ofcom Chairman, who is appointed by the government, actually does, but it looks like nice work if you can get it. Burns will get £120 kpa for, hilariously given Ofcom’s current opposition to the term, ‘up to’ three days work per week. Excellent.