C4 strategy chief joins Ofcom

One of the architects of Channel 4's pitch for a public service future has been appointed director of strategy at Ofcom.

The regulator said Jonathan Thompson, as director of strategy and research at the broadcaster, was "closely involved" in its Next on 4 vision statement. The document, published last week, was aimed at convincing Ofcom and other policymakers that Channel 4 was a valuable public service - and to give it the money it needs to continue.

Options for the future of public service broadcasting are expected to be laid out by Ofcom in coming weeks. Firmer plans will be adopted in the autumn after a period of consultation and public debate.

Thompson will take up his new position in June. At Channel 4 he has led audience research and corporate strategy for all channels and new media.

Another senior appointment announced today by Ofcom was Campbell Cowie, currently Time Warner Europe's executive director of public policy, as policy director for strategy and market development.

Since 2002 Cowie has led economic regulation and competition policy matters and given strategic, economic and policy advice at board level to Time Warner in Europe. Previously he was head of fair trading and regulation at the BBC.

Peter Phillips, Ofcom's partner for strategy and market developments, said: "I am delighted that Ofcom continues to attract such able and experienced people from across the communications sector.

"Jonathan and Campbell are talented and creative, and their expertise will help Ofcom deliver high quality work which benefits citizens and consumers."