The Intellectual Property Regulation Board (IPReg) has today announced that the Rt Hon Lord Smith of Finsbury (Chris Smith) will become the new Chair of IPReg on 7 September 2018. Lord Smith was appointed by an independent appointment panel following an open recruitment process.

Welcoming his appointment, Fran Gillon, CEO of IPReg said: “I am delighted that Lord Smith is to be our new Chair. His experience from a distinguished career in public office, regulation and academia will be invaluable to IPReg and those we regulate; I am very much looking forward to working with him over the coming years. I would like to thank Steve Gregory who has been Acting Chair since November 2016 for the leadership he has given the organisation and the support he has given me.”

Commenting on his new role, Lord Smith said “I am very pleased to have been appointed as the new Chair of IPReg. I am looking forward to working with the Board, executive team and our regulated community to ensure that our approach to regulation protects consumers and encourages a diverse profession, whilst recognising the importance and value of intellectual property to the UK economy.”