14 January 2016

Ofcom today announced the appointment of two new, non-executive members to its Board.

Ben Verwaayen and Bill Emmott will take up their positions from this month, each for a period of four years.

Bill Emmott will also take on the role of Chairman of Ofcom's Content Board.

Details of Ben Verwaayen and Bill Emmott can be found below:

Ben Verwaayen

Ben has 30 years' experience in running major telecoms, technology and media companies in executive and non-executive roles. He is currently a General Partner at investment fund Keen Venture Partners and holds various Board positions, including Akamai in the US and mobile operator Bharti Airtel in India. Ben is a former Chief Executive of BT, KPN in the Netherlands and Alcatel Lucent, and has served as a Chairman of Endemol.

Bill Emmott

Bill is a journalist and editor who spent 26 years at the Economist, with 13 years as Editor-in-Chief and as a main Board Director. He is also a documentary film maker and an author of non-fiction books. Bill was Chairman of the London Library from 2009 to 2015, is one of Swiss Re's panel of advisers, Group Economic Adviser to Stonehage Fleming wealth managers and a visiting professor at Shujitsu University in Okayama, Japan.

Ben Verwaayen and Bill Emmott have replaced Tim Gardam and Mike McTighe, who are stepping down from the Board having each served two terms. Stephen Hill resigned from the Board last year to pursue other opportunities.

Patricia Hodgson, Ofcom Chairman, said: "I am delighted to be welcoming Ben Verwaayen and Bill Emmott to the Ofcom Board. They are two high-calibre appointments who bring a wealth of experience, which will greatly benefit Ofcom.

"I would like to thank Tim, Mike and Stephen for their significant contributions to Ofcom's work over the years."