Michael Grade CBE

Broadcaster TV Producer

Michael Grade joined the BBC as Controller, BBC-1 in September 1984 and, in conjunction with this role, became Director of Programmes, Television in June 1986 and Managing Director Designate in 1987. In May 2004 he was appointed chairman of the BBC govenors.

He spent nine years from 1988 as Chief Executive at Channel 4 Television, leaving in June 1997 to become Executive Chairman of First Leisure Corporation. In October 1998, on the appointment of a Non-Executive Chairman, he became Chief Executive and oversaw the restructuring of the Company, leaving at the end of 1999.

Since leaving First Leisure Michael Grade has become Executive Chairman of Pinewood and Shepperton Studios and is also Chairman of Hemscott plc, a leading supplier of business and investment information over the Internet. In January 2002 he became Chairman of the Camelot Group, operators of the national lottery. He is Chairman of the Royal National Theatre’s Development Council and is a member of the Council of the Royal Albert Hall. He is a Trustee of the National Film & Television School. In 1990 he became a Director of the Gate Theatre in Dublin. In April 2000 he became Chairman of Index on Censorship. He is also on the Board of Charlton Athletic Football Club.