Justin King, the previous J Sainsbury chief govt, has pulled out of the race to chair Channel 4, the state-owned broadcaster.
His exit from the recruitment course of leaves current Channel 4 board member Debbie Wosskow and Wol Kolade, a non-public fairness govt, because the remaining contenders whose identities have been publicly disclosed.
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Trade sources consider at the least one different candidate might also be in rivalry for the job.
Mr King is claimed by one Whitehall supply to have withdrawn citing different commitments, though he lately stepped down from the boards of Ovo Vitality and Marks & Spencer.
He additionally chairs Allwyn, the Nationwide Lottery operator, and Dexters, the property company chain.
The Whitehall supply stated Mr King had been inspired to place his title ahead for the position following Sir Ian’s departure.
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Justin King
The method to recruit a chair for Channel 4 has been ongoing for months, with Daybreak Airey, the media trade veteran, holding the position on an interim foundation.
Sir Keir Starmer’s resolution to retain Lisa Nandy as tradition secretary has eliminated a possible purpose for the conclusion of the method to be delayed, with insiders suggesting a choice a few most popular candidate is imminent.
Sir Ian stepped down earlier this 12 months after only one three-year time period within the position.
The race to guide the state-owned broadcaster’s board has acquired extra significance since after the resignation of Alex Mahon, its long-serving chief govt.
Ms Mahon, who was a vocal opponent of the final Conservative authorities’s proposed privatisation of Channel 4, has left to hitch Superstruct, a non-public equity-owned stay leisure firm.
Recruitment to the board of Channel 4 is technically led by Ofcom, the media regulator, in settlement with the tradition secretary.
Ms Nandy can also be anticipated to launch a search shortly for a successor to Lord Grade, the Ofcom chair.
The Division for Tradition, Media and Sport declined to remark, whereas Mr King couldn’t be reached for remark.
