Nesta, the innovation agency, has announced Ed Richards as incoming Chair of Trustees. Ed is currently a Managing Partner at Flint, a business advisory company that he co-founded. He was previously Chief Executive of Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, from 2006 until 2014. He has also worked in the Number 10 Policy Unit, led the BBC Corporate Strategy team and worked in consulting. Ed takes over from Sir John Gieve, who completes his tenure as Chair in March 2022.

Ed Richards said: “I’m delighted to be asked to take on the role of Chair of Trustees at Nesta and I’m very much looking forward to working with everyone in the organisation, and with Nesta’s many partners and collaborators. I was inspired to apply by the organisation’s bold vision and by the scope for what might be possible in the years ahead. It’s a great privilege and I’m looking forward to contributing.”

Ravi Gurumurthy, Chief Executive of Nesta said: “Ed brings with him a wealth of experience which will help guide Nesta in the years ahead. I am thrilled that he’s joining Nesta at such a critical time for our missions and I look forward to working with him in the years ahead. I want to say thank you to Sir John who has served Nesta incredibly well and has been a huge source of support and guidance to me and the Executive Team.”