The Government has kicked off the search for a new Information Commission chair – the role which was all but nailed on for disgraced former commissioner John Edwards – while appointing seven new non-executive members to the Information Commission Board, as part of the transition to the UK’s new independent data protection regulator.
Under the auspices of the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology, the new chair will lead the board, working alongside the chief executive and other members to set the strategic direction of the Information Commission, ensuring it protects individuals’ personal data while supporting responsible innovation and economic growth.
DSIT secretary of state Liz Kendall (pictured), who was one of the main people to expose Edwards’ behaviour, said: “The Information Commission must be an organisation that people trust – and trust starts with culture. That means strong leadership, clear values, and a board that upholds the highest standards of conduct and accountability where staff at all levels are treated with respect and dignity.
“This is a significant role at a significant moment, and I look forward to announcing the transition to the Information Commission in due course.”
Applications close on August 19 2026.
Meanwhile, the seven new non-execs have been picked from a variety of backgrounds and roles, although, with the exception of one, they appear to have virtually no data protection experience.
– Laurie Benson is a former international media executive and experienced board director. She has held senior leadership roles across broadcasting, publishing, technology and digital media.
– Maggie Carver was deputy chair of Ofcom until 2024 having served as interim chair between January 2021 and April 2022. She is an experienced company director, having served on the boards of over 18 public, private and not-for-profit companies and chaired five boards, including ITN, the Racecourse Association, and the British Board of Film Classification.
– Stephen Cohen is an investor, board chair and governance specialist with more than 45 years’ experience in global asset management, investment strategy and corporate governance. He has held senior executive leadership roles across the investment management industry.
– Sukhvinder Kaur-Stubbs is an non-executive with expertise in governance, regulation and public policy. She currently serves on the Board of the Regulator of Social Housing, chairs the Independent Customer Challenge Group at Thames Water, and is a member of the RICS Standards and Regulation Board.
– Gary Kildare is an international business leader and non-exec. He is a former member of IBM’s global leadership team and was chief people officer for Europe and global head of labour relations.
– Hilary Newiss is has served across the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors, particularly in science, health, and innovation. She was previously an IP partner in a law firm and maintains her interest in privacy and data law and public engagement.
– Scott McPherson is a policymaker with more than 25 years in UK Government, including director general roles across a number of departments, including health, justice and policing.
Paul Arnold will also join the board in his role as accounting officer and interim CEO for the Information Commission.
Kendall concluded: “I’m delighted to welcome seven new non-executive members who bring the breadth of experience needed to build that culture from the ground up. Together they will work with the leadership team to help shape an organisation that is open and accountable, building public trust in the responsible use of data.”
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