Former Sainsbury’s boss emerges as Channel 4 chair candidate

Former Sainsbury’s chief executive Justin King is reported to be among the names shortlisted to become the next chair of Channel 4.   

Sky News reported that the former supermarket boss has been shortlisted for the role and is expected to be interviewed for it this month.  

Broadcast laid out in April that Ofcom’s schedule had the final panel interviews slated for today (7 July).  

King led Sainsbury’s for a decade until 2014 and he currently holds chair positions at a number of companies, including National Lottery operator Allwyn and Ovo Energy. He is a non-executive chair of Itsu Grocery and a non-exec director of M&S  

Sky News also believes that current non-exec board member Debbie Wosskow has been shortlisted.  

The C4 chair role has been filled in an interim capacity by deputy chair Dawn Airey since previous incumbent Ian Cheshire’s tenure in the position concluded in April. 

The successful candidate will be appointed by Ofcom subject to approval from culture secretary Lisa Nandy.  

Top of the incoming chair’s in-tray will be to find a new chief executive following Alex Mahon’s departure from the PSB. Chief operating officer Jonathan Allan is currently acting chief exec.  

Broadcast revealed last week that board member and music exec Alex Burford is keen to throw his hat in the ring.