Seven non-executive members appointed to Information Commission Board as chair recruitment launches

Seven non-executive members appointed to Information Commission Board as chair recruitment launches
Seven NEDs (Non-Executive Directors) appointed to the IC, supporting the move to a new board-led governance model later this year.
Seven Non-Executive members have been appointed to the Information Commission. Later this year, the Commission will take over all the functions and responsibilities of the ICO to become the UK’s independent data protection regulator. The appointments form an important part of the transition to this new governance model, which gives the Information Commission collective responsibility for strategic leadership and decision-making.
The new Non-Executive members bring a broad range of experience from across business, technology, regulation, governance and public service. Their appointments will help shape the Information Commission’s strategic direction, guide it through a fast-moving regulatory landscape and drive delivery of its ambitious agenda.
The following individuals have been appointed as Non-Executive members :
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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, including with Time Magazine, Bloomberg Media, CNN, HGTV and Oxygen Media, helping organisations respond to major shifts in technology, audiences and commercial models. Her board career spans public bodies, regulators, executive agencies and listed companies.
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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.
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Stephen Cohen is an experienced 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, including responsibility for managing global portfolios, leading international investment businesses and developing asset management operations in Europe and Japan.
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Sukhvinder Kaur-Stubbs is an experienced Non-Executive Director with extensive 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, is a member of the RICS Standards and Regulation Board, and NED at the Old Trafford Regeneration MDC.
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Gary Kildare is an experienced international business leader and non-executive director. He is a former member of IBM’s global leadership team and was Chief People Officer for Europe and Global Head of Labour Relations. He is currently an Independent non-executive director of Crowe LLP, a leading audit, tax, advisory and risk firm and is a member of the Public Interest Committee.
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Hilary Newiss is an experienced Chair and Non-Executive Director with a distinguished record 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.
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Scott McPherson is an experienced senior leader and policymaker with more than 25 years in UK Government, including Director General roles across four departments. He has led multi-billion-pound programmes in health, justice and policing, shaping strategic policy and driving large-scale organisational transformation.
The Information Commission was established by the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 to succeed the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) as the UK’s independent data protection supervisory authority.
The Non-Executive members have been appointed in accordance with the Public Appointments Governance Code. The members will assume their roles when the transition to the new Information Commission takes effect later this year. The Non-Executive members are appointed for an initial three-year term, with pay of £25,000 per annum.
Information Commission Chair Campaign Launch
Alongside these appointments, DSIT has also today launched a campaign to recruit the Chair of the Information Commission. The successful candidate will lead the Board, working alongside the Chief Executive and other members to set the strategic direction of the Information Commission, ensuring it continues to protect individuals’ personal data while supporting responsible innovation and economic growth.
Applications close on 19th August 2026. Further information is available here.
Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Liz Kendall 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.
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.
Today we are also launching the search for a new Chair to lead the Commission and set its tone from the very top. This is a significant role at a significant moment, and I look forward to announcing the transition to the Information Commission in due course.