Rob Woodward appointed chair of UK’s Met Office

Former Channel 4 Television commercial director Rob Woodward has been appointed as the new chair of the UK Met Office, with effect from 1 July 2018. As chair, Woodward will work with the Met Office board and wider executive team to grow the weather and climate services proposition and continue to offer global leadership on various projects. Commenting on the appointment, Woodward said, “I’ve long admired the work of the Met Office and the impact it has on so many people from all walks of life. It is a privilege to be selected to be the next chair of this world-class organisation. I look forward to working with the executive team and staff to help the Met Office build on its successes while continuing to transform to face the challenges of the future.” Nick Jobling, interim chief executive of the Met Office, said, “I am delighted that Rob will be joining us to lead the Met Office board. Rob’s experience will be invaluable as we continue to transform the organisation with a view to preparing ourselves for the challenges of the 2020s. I’d like to thank Sir John Beddington for ably leading the board while a new permanent chair was recruited, and am pleased that he will remain a valued member of the board.” Woodward brings a wealth of experience to the role, having held leadership positions across the public and private sectors. His former roles include CEO of Scottish media firm STV Group and commercial director of Channel 4 Television. He has also been a trustee of NESTA, the UK’s leading innovation charity, and chairman of the Developing Young Workforce Group in Scotland.