Rona Fairhead has officially begun work as the new chairman of the BBC Trust. Her appointment was officially confirmed at a meeting of the Privy Council on Thursday evening.
Under the terms of the BBC Royal Charter, the appointment of the BBC Trust Chairman and members is made by HM The Queen on recommendation from the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, through the Prime Minister.
Fairhead was Chairman and CEO of the Financial Times Group from 2006 – 2013, having previously been Group Finance Director of its parent company, Pearson plc.
Commenting on her appointment she said: “I can’t think of many more important organisations to work for than the BBC. It remains one of the great British institutions, respected around the world and much-loved at home. It is a huge privilege to be able to represent the interests of audiences and to help ensure the BBC maintains its reputation for quality and innovation, its editorial independence, and its critical role in supporting the UK creative sector as a whole.”
Fairhead takes over the role from Chris Patten who resigned due to ill health.
