Seven New Non-Executive Appointments to the Information Commission Board as Chair Recruitment Begins

Seven Non-Executive members have been appointed to the Information Commission, which is set to assume all functions and responsibilities of the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) later this year, transitioning into the UK’s independent data protection regulator. This appointment marks a crucial step in establishing a new governance framework that grants the Information Commission collective responsibility for strategic leadership and decision-making.

Bringing Diverse Expertise to the Forefront

The newly appointed Non-Executive members possess a wealth of experience across sectors such as business, technology, regulation, governance, and public service. Their expertise will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the Information Commission, enabling it to navigate a rapidly evolving regulatory environment and effectively implement its ambitious agenda.

The individuals appointed to these Non-Executive roles include:

Laurie Benson, a former international media executive and seasoned board director, has held senior leadership positions across various domains, including broadcasting, publishing, technology, and digital media. She has worked with renowned organisations such as Time Magazine, Bloomberg Media, CNN, HGTV, and Oxygen Media, helping them adapt to significant technological advancements and changing audience dynamics. Her board experience spans public bodies, regulatory agencies, executive entities, and publicly listed companies.

Maggie Carver, who served as Deputy Chair of Ofcom until 2024, previously held the position of Interim Chair from January 2021 to April 2022. A well-respected company director, she has been involved with the boards of over 18 public, private, and not-for-profit organisations and has chaired five boards, including ITN, the Racecourse Association, and the British Board of Film Classification.

Stephen Cohen is a governance specialist and seasoned investor with over 45 years of experience in global asset management, investment strategy, and corporate governance. His career includes senior executive roles, overseeing global portfolios and leading international investment operations, particularly in Europe and Japan.

Strengthening Governance and Public Policy

Sukhvinder Kaur-Stubbs is an adept Non-Executive Director with extensive knowledge in governance, regulation, and public policy. She is currently on the Board of the Regulator of Social Housing, chairs the Independent Customer Challenge Group at Thames Water, and serves as a member of the RICS Standards and Regulation Board, in addition to her role as a Non-Executive Director at the Old Trafford Regeneration MDC.

Gary Kildare brings international business leadership experience as a former member of IBM’s global leadership team, where he held the position of Chief People Officer for Europe and Global Head of Labour Relations. Currently, he serves as an Independent Non-Executive Director at Crowe LLP, a prominent audit, tax, advisory, and risk firm, and is a member of the Public Interest Committee.

Hilary Newiss is a distinguished Chair and Non-Executive Director with a robust background across the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors, particularly in science, health, and innovation. Formerly an IP partner in a law firm, she continues to engage with issues surrounding privacy, data law, and public engagement.

Scott McPherson is an accomplished senior leader and policymaker, having spent over 25 years in UK Government. His experience includes Director General roles across four departments, where he has led multi-billion-pound programmes in health, justice, and policing, influencing strategic policy and driving large-scale organisational change.

Transitioning to the New Governance Structure

The Information Commission was established under the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, taking over from the ICO as the UK’s independent data protection supervisory authority. The appointments of the Non-Executive members were made in line with the Public Appointments Governance Code, and they will begin their roles as the transition to the new Information Commission takes effect later this year. Each member has been appointed for an initial three-year term, with an annual remuneration of £25,000.

In conjunction with these appointments, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has initiated a campaign to recruit the Chair of the Information Commission. The selected individual will lead the Board, collaborating with the Chief Executive and other members to establish the Commission’s strategic direction, ensuring the protection of individuals’ personal data while fostering responsible innovation and economic growth. The application deadline is set for 19th August 2026, with further details available through the designated channels.

Commitment to Building Trust and Accountability

Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Liz Kendall, emphasised the importance of trust in the Information Commission, stating that it begins with a robust organisational culture. This involves strong leadership, clear values, and a Board committed to maintaining the highest standards of conduct and accountability, ensuring that all staff members are treated with respect and dignity.

Kendall expressed her enthusiasm for the appointment of the seven new Non-Executive members, highlighting their diverse expertise as instrumental in cultivating a positive organisational culture. Together, they will collaborate with the leadership team to foster an organisation that prioritises openness and accountability, thereby enhancing public trust in the responsible utilisation of data.

Furthermore, the search for a new Chair to lead the Commission has been launched, marking a significant opportunity at a critical juncture. The announcement regarding the transition to the Information Commission is anticipated in due course.