Karen Baxter appointed the first Ofcom Board Member for Northern Ireland

Business Secretary Gordon Lyons today appointed Karen Baxter as the first Ofcom board member for Northern Ireland.

The Minister confirmed the appointment after consulting the UK Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Karen retired from police service in 2020 after a 30-year career spanning service with the Royal Ulster Constabulary, the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the City of London Police.

More recently, as Commander and National Coordinator for Economic Crime, she oversaw the UK’s most serious financial investigations. Karen was also the Police Chief for Cybercrime Prevention, working with key stakeholders and the third sector to address emerging risks online.

In 2020, Karen joined UK Finance as Managing Director for Intelligence Strategy, working across the banking sector to review the use and management of intelligence.

Commenting on the appointment Minister Lyons said:

“I am delighted to announce Karen Baxter as the first Ofcom Board Member for Northern Ireland. Karen has a thorough understanding of the issues faced by the communications sector and how a successful communications sector contributes to a stronger economy.

“I would also like to thank Bob Downes, Ofcom Board Member for Scotland, for his excellent work representing Northern Ireland during the transition.”

Karen Baxter said:

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to take on this new role at an important time for Ofcom. The communications sector provides essential services to everyone in Northern Ireland and across the UK and is critical to the future success of the economy.”

Ofcom interim chair Maggie Carver commented:

“I am delighted that Karen Baxter has been confirmed as the first Ofcom board member for Northern Ireland. Her appointment is a further step in ensuring Ofcom’s board has voices representing consumers and citizens from across the UK. Karen brings tremendous cybersecurity expertise which is sure to come in handy as Ofcom prepares to take on new online security responsibilities.

“I would also like to thank Bob Downes for the tremendous amount of work he has done over the past few years in collaboration with our Northern Ireland office and stakeholders and championing Northern Ireland on the Ofcom Board. We are all really grateful.”

Dame Melanie Dawes, Ofcom Chief Executive said:
“I am delighted to welcome Karen to Ofcom and look forward to working together to deliver on Ofcom’s priorities. Karen brings extensive experience and knowledge from her previous roles in policing and cybersecurity, which is particularly relevant to Ofcom’s growing remit.”

Notes for editors:

1. Ofcom is the independent regulator and competition authority for the UK communications industry. We have responsibility for television, radio, video-on-demand, telecommunications, wireless communications and postal services. For press releases and other resources for journalists, visit Ofcom.
2. As Ofcom is a UK-wide public body, appointments are made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments.
3. The pay for this role is £42,519 for two days a week. The term of office is four years.
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5. For media inquiries please contact the Department for the Economy Press Office at [email protected]
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