Channel 4’s deputy chairman Mark Price has stepped down as Waitrose managing director amid speculation that he will take over from Lord Burns.
Ofcom, which is in charge of the recruitment process on behalf of the government, advertised for the position earlier this month and the deadline for applications is 16 November.
If the media regulator is unable to make an appointment by 27 January 2016 then Price will become C4’s chairman on an interim basis at the very least.
However, his resignation from Waitrose is likely to fuel speculation that he will land the C4 role on a permanent basis.
Ofcom is looking for a candidate that has “successfully run, overseen, or been involved in, a significant organisation with a proven track record of strategic planning and leading”.
Known as the ‘Chubby Grocer’, Price - who officially stands down on 3 April 2016 after a 33-year association with the John Lewis Partnership - was behind a host of initiatives, such as the myWaitrose loyalty scheme and partnerships with celebrity chefs Delia Smith and Heston Blumenthal.
If he chairs C4, either on an interim or permanent basis, he will have to steer the broadcaster through a period in which its future as a publically-owned company will come under intense scrutiny.
Burns was denied the chance to extend his six-year term by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) last month, despite Ofcom’s reservations.
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