New Chair of Ordnance Survey appointed by UK Government

Colin Hughes has been appointed as the new Chair of Ordnance Survey by the UK Government.

Mr Hughes will remain in his current role as CEO of AQA, as well as taking on this position.

He has held previous senior leadership positions including chair positions in the Education Publishers Council from 2014 to 2018

Mr. Hughes said: “I’m hugely excited to be joining the Board of Ordnance Survey at this moment of great opportunity for one of the UK’s most dynamic organisations.

“OS has incomparable potential for innovating in digital and data to support growth and gain in our society and economy, and it will be a privilege to support Nick Bolton and his team in realising their plans to maximise that value.”

Ordnance Survey (OS) is Great Britain’s National Mapping Service who distribute detailed location information.

Stephen Lake, the Current Chair, has served since 2021 and will step down at the end of his final term, being replaced by Mr Hughes from March 2025.

Nick Bolton, Chief Executive for Ordnance Survey, said: “I would also like to extend my thanks to Stephen Lake, who is leaving the OS Board after 10 years.

“Stephen has contributed much through a period of significant change for the organisation and leaves us in a stronger position.”

According to the Technology Minister, Baroness Jones of Whitchurch, Ordnance Survey will be utilising Colin’s leadership experience to achieve their strategic goals.

These include re-imagining how they use location data to improve public services, support businesses, and unlock economic growth as part of their Plan for Change.