Lesley Cowley OBE has been appointed by Technology Secretary Peter Kyle to chair government agency Building Digital UK (BDUK).
The organisation is responsible for rolling out fast and reliable broadband and mobile coverage to hard-to-reach places across the UK.
Chair Cowley has amassed plenty of experience leading government agencies, which has included spending a decade as DVLA chair and six years as the chair of Companies House.
She is widely regarded as an accomplished leader in the digital and technology sectors, offering decades of experience leading a variety of public services and businesses.
In 2009, she co-founded DNS Women – a now-global organisation with a mission of encouraging more female support and inclusion in the domain name system industry.
Cowley, who was appointed an OBE in 2010 in recognition of her services to the internet and digital economy, also holds an ambassadorial role at Women on Boards and still serves as chair of Surrey-based aviation firm Airport Coordination Limited.
In her new role, she will advise and support BDUK’s executive team on the delivery of BDUK’s two main programmes – Project Gigabit, the government’s rollout of lightning-fast broadband to areas that would otherwise be stuck with slower speeds; and the Shared Rural Network, a joint programme with mobile network operators to boost 4G mobile coverage in rural communities all over the country.
“It is a privilege to join Building Digital UK at such a pivotal moment in its journey,” said Cowley.
“The challenge of ensuring every corner of the UK benefits from fast, reliable digital infrastructure is one I am deeply passionate about.”
Kyle added: “Lesley’s commitment to making a positive difference to public facing services, together with her track record in leading digital transformation and delivering innovative solutions, make her an outstanding choice for Chair of Building Digital UK.
“She will be instrumental in helping us deliver on our growth mission, by continuing to drive forward our ambitious plans for better connectivity across every part of the UK, making communities and businesses better off.”
She will take up the post on the 1st July 2025, taking over from Hazel Hobbs who has served as interim chair since August 2024.