The Government today announced that Elan Closs Stephens CBE has been appointed as the BBC Trustee for Wales, with effect from 1 November 2010.
Elan Closs Stephens is replacing Janet Lewis-Jones, who will step down as Trustee for Wales on 31 October 2010, along with Chitra Bharucha, currently Vice Chairman of the Trust. Following Sir Michael Lyons’ decision not to seek reappointment as BBC Trust Chairman, the DCMS has today confirmed that the final decision on the appointment of the Vice Chairman will not be made until the new Chairman has been identified.
In addition, Trustees Diane Coyle, Alison Hastings, Patricia Hodgson and David Liddiment have been confirmed for a further four year term. Rotha Johnston and Mehmuda Mian will continue for another two years.
Welcoming the appointment, Sir Michael Lyons said:
“Elan will be a huge asset to the Trust, to the BBC and to licence fee payers in Wales. She has a wealth of experience in media and the creative industries and in providing strategic leadership to cultural bodies. I am very pleased to welcome her to the board.”
Elan Closs Stephens said:
“I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to help get the best out of the BBC for the people of Wales.
“The BBC holds great public affection in Wales. It has helped strengthen Wales’s national identity. Over the years it has provided information, entertainment and analysis. It has also provided opportunities for economic growth. It will be my job as part of the Trust to support, maintain and grow the BBC’s contribution to Wales.”
Sir Michael Lyons added:
“I would like to thank both Chitra Bharucha and Janet Lewis-Jones for their contributions to the work of the Trust.
“As Vice Chairman – and acting Chairman for the first months of the Trust’s life – Chitra has been instrumental in establishing the Trust and ensuring that licence fee payers’ interests have been central to the Trustees’ decisions. Janet has been a tireless advocate for Welsh licence fee payers and has brought wise counsel to the work of the Trust. I wish them both the very best for the future.”
