ABRSM is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Colette Bowe as its new Chairman. Colette Bowe is currently Chairman of Ofcom, the independent regulator for the UK communications industries and of Electra Private Equity plc, and will take up the post on 24 July 2012. She succeeds Lord Sutherland of Houndwood, who steps down after a six-year tenure. "ABRSM is committed to delivering the highest standards in musical assessment and to promoting and sustaining the value of music in our culture," said Colette Bowe. "I am passionate about music education at all levels and am delighted to have the chance to contribute to ABRSM's work of fostering a love of music amongst learners of all ages. I am very much looking forward to working with all those who work with and for ABRSM in supporting the work of music teachers and the wider music education community. I am also looking forward to working with our colleagues and partners at the Royal Academy of Music, the Royal College of Music, the Royal Northern College of Music and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland – leading institutions on the world stage of music education." Colette Bowe has previously worked at senior executive-level in the fund management business, City regulation and Whitehall. She was from 2004 – 2009 the chairman of the Council of Queen Mary College, University of London, and is currently a board member of Axa Investment Managers Deutschland and the UK Statistics Authority. "On behalf of the members of ABRSM, we are delighted that Colette has accepted this post and we look forward to working with her tremendously," said Guy Perricone, ABRSM's Chief Executive. "Colette brings both experience and passion to this role and her dedication to ABRSM's cause will be crucial to shaping our future. I must also pay great tribute to Stewart Sutherland, whose support and guidance during his time as Chairman has had a significant impact on our work. We wish him the very best for the future."