Dawn Airey has been appointed chair of Arts Council England (ACE), set to take over the role from Nicholas Serota in August. The move comes amid calls for the organisation to protect arts funding from political interference and improve the accessibility of its grant application process, following a recent independent review led by former MP Margaret Hodge.

Airey, a veteran media executive, described the appointment as “an honour” and emphasised the critical role ACE plays in supporting arts and culture, especially during a period she described as vital for the sector. She also highlighted the challenges posed by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence to the creative industries.

With a career spanning more than three decades, Airey has held senior positions across British broadcasting, often during times of significant change. She first gained recognition in the 1990s as part of the founding team at Channel 5, later leading the channel with a focus on commercially viable programming. She subsequently held senior roles at Sky and ITV, including managing director of global content at ITV. Airey then transitioned to international digital media, serving as senior vice-president for Yahoo! Europe and chief executive of Getty Images.

In addition to her executive roles, Airey has been involved in cultural leadership as chair of the National Youth Theatre and the Women’s Super League, as well as interim chair of Channel 4, where she remains deputy chair of the board.

Industry figures have praised Airey’s blend of commercial acumen and passion for the arts. Ben Fenton, a media consultant who has worked with Airey, described her as a “wonderful person” with a fresh perspective capable of navigating complex institutions and initiating necessary reforms. Peter Bazalgette, former chair of ACE and ITV, noted her “fearless” nature and resilience, qualities he said will be essential as she oversees an organisation balancing artistic support with funding challenges and political scrutiny.

Born in Preston, Lancashire, Airey was a national judo champion before studying geography at Cambridge. She entered broadcasting early, becoming the only woman in the ITV network planners’ group at age 26. Airey has spoken openly about confronting a male-dominated culture throughout her career, describing formative experiences that today would be regarded as unacceptable workplace behavior.

Known for her determined leadership style—earning nicknames such as “Scary Airey” and “Zulu Dawn” at Channel 4—colleagues nevertheless stress her underlying warmth and relentless energy. Former Channel 5 chief executive David Elstein recalled her as a tireless motivator who played a key role in the channel’s early success, even working through injury.

Airey’s personal life includes a civil partnership with television producer Jacquie Lawrence, with whom she has two daughters. Reflecting on her varied career, she described her professional journey as dynamic and wide-ranging, underscoring her capacity for sustained engagement across media and culture.

Her appointment signals a new phase for Arts Council England, as it seeks to strengthen its role amid evolving cultural landscapes and greater demands for transparency and inclusivity.