The UK government has appointed Hazel Hobbs as the interim Chair of Building Digital UK (BDUK), effective from September 1, 2024. Has also been reappointed as a non-executive director of BDUK having been a member of the Board since the organisation became an executive agency in March 2022.
BDUK, an executive agency of the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT), oversees the delivery of two major digital infrastructure programs: Project Gigabit and the Shared Rural Network.
Hazel Hobbs brings extensive experience to her new role. She has previously served as a non-executive director of BDUK and chaired the organization’s Audit and Risk Committee. Her background includes leadership roles at the Government Digital Service, where she championed innovation and digital transformation across the UK. As interim Chair, her focus will be on achieving full gigabit coverage by 2030 and ensuring that no community is left behind in the digital revolution.
In her own words, Hazel expressed her commitment to collaborative efforts with the telecommunications industry and devolved governments to provide efficient and cost-effective digital infrastructure for taxpayers. Her appointment comes as BDUK prepares for the forthcoming Spending Review, building upon the agency’s strong foundations and hard work.
Quote from Hazel:
I’m delighted to have been appointed as BDUK’s interim Chair and will continue working with DSIT, the Board and Chief Executive to drive forward the Government’s commitment to achieve full gigabit coverage by 2030.
As a citizen, independent business director and parent, I know how critical our work is to power economic growth and ensure nowhere is left behind. My priority will be to build on the hard work and brilliant foundations established by BDUK staff and prepare for the forthcoming Spending Review. We remain focused on collaborative working with the telecommunications industry and devolved governments to secure fast, effective and good value digital infrastructure for the taxpayer.
