Bichard takes top Design Council role

Sir Michael Bichard, the outgoing Rector of the University of the Arts London, will be the next chairman of the Design Council.

John Denham, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills has named Bichard as successor to Sir George Cox, who steps down from the council in December.

‘I am thrilled that Sir Michael Bichard has agreed to take this important role at a time when design is acknowledged as central to international business competitiveness, innovation performance and wider social wellbeing,’ says Denham. ‘As a public figure with a worldwide reputation in the fields of education, Government and the creative arts, Sir Michael is well placed to tackle the important agenda the Design Council seeks to address’.

Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport James Purnell welcomed the future chairman and also paid tribute to Cox’s achievements.

‘My thanks go to George Cox for his leadership and vision – and, in particular, for his input into the Creative Economy Green Paper which we aim to publish later this year,’ says Purnell.