Dawn Airey, a prominent figure in British broadcasting, has been appointed chair of Arts Council England (Ace), succeeding Nicholas Serota in August. Her appointment comes after a review led by Labour peer Margaret Hodge, which highlighted the need for the council to safeguard arts funding from political interference and streamline its application processes. Airey described her new role as an honor, emphasizing the critical importance of the arts in contemporary society. With a career spanning over three decades, she has held significant positions at Channel 5, ITV, and Sky, where she earned a reputation for her bold and commercially savvy approach. Airey's leadership style has been praised by colleagues, who note her resilience and commitment to improving the arts landscape. She also plans to tackle the challenges posed by artificial intelligence within the sector. Known for her energetic work ethic, Airey has previously been recognized for her contributions to various cultural initiatives, including the National Youth Theatre and the Women’s Super League.