Michael Bichard was today appointed as the new Chairman of the Design Council. Sir Michael succeeds Sir George Cox and will take up his post in January 2008.
The Design Council is the national strategic body for design. It promotes the use of design throughout the UK's businesses and public services. Through their work they demonstrate that design can play a vital role in strengthening our economy and improving our society.
Announcing the appointment John Denham, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills said: "I am thrilled that Sir Michael Bichard has agreed to take on this important role at a time when design is acknowledged as central to international business competitiveness, innovation performance and wider social well-being.
"As a public figure with a world-wide 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.
I would also like to pay tribute to Sir George Cox, whose leadership of the Design Council has been exemplary. His proposals to the Treasury marked a watershed in design and innovation policy resulting in a powerful programme of measures being implemented nationally. These include the Design Council's business programme for SME's and new multidisciplinary university centres where design, technology and business are brought closer together."
James Purnell, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport said: "Sir Michael Bichard is the right man to be heading up the Design Council at a time when the creative industries are becoming more important than ever.
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."
Sir Michael said: "I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to Chair such a successful, dynamic and important institution as the Design Council. Design is one of the most potent forces for innovation and competitiveness. It is recognised by all the world's leading economies and is increasingly the focus for newer rapidly emerging market economies.
"As well as its ability to boost company performance and drive innovation, design is providing inspiring solutions to some of society's most pressing problems. I look forward to building on the work of Sir George Cox and supporting David Kester and his able executive team in shaping the design response to our national priorities."
Sir George Cox said: "It's been a tremendous privilege to lead the Design Council over the last three years and to see design move right to the top of the government's agenda for innovation and business. My own review was just one step in the process, and I've been hugely encouraged by the way its recommendations have been embraced, most recently in the review of Government's Science and Innovation policy by Lord Sainsbury. I can think of no better person than Sir Michael Bichard to take this work forward."