Lesley Mackenzie to become Chair of DTG

During her 30 years of senior leadership experience across broadcast, digital media, and technology, Mackenzie has worked with BSkyB, News Corp, Amazon, BBC, ITV and Channel in a variety of roles around the world.

Mackenzie began her career at Sky, where she spent a decade as Director of Channels and Operations, playing a central role in the launch and growth of digital television in the UK. This included the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting and the development of interactive services.

At News Corp, she helped establish Tata Sky – the joint venture with the Tata Group – launching one of India’s leading direct-to-home television platforms. As Group Digital Officer at LoveFilm, she drove the development of the commercial video-on-demand business, scaling the service across multiple platforms and markets, before the company was sold to Amazon in 2011 and closed in 2017.

Mackenzie went on to hold senior international roles focused on digital transformation and OTT services, including at ProSiebenSat.1 in Germany and mbc in the UAE. More recently, Lesley has run her own consultancy, advising international clients like Racing Channel, Hearst, Vue, and Deezer on technology-led transformation across content production and distribution.

She has also held a number of non-executive roles, including at Ofcom and the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC). Furthermore, she is currently CEO of Local TV Limited, which owns and operates a network of local television channels across the UK.

According to DTG, Mackenzie’s appointment comes as the organisation intensifies its focus on supporting the industry through complex strategic and technical transitions, including the long-term evolution of television delivery and the need to ensure audiences continue to receive trusted, high-quality services as the market changes.

For this reason, the association recently also appointed Andy Livingston, Director, Technology EMEA at Sony Pictures Entertainment, as Co-Chair of its Next-Generation Media Working Group. Livingston is expected to lead the group’s work on future media formats and viewing experiences.

Speaking about the strategic appointment of Mackenzie, Richard Lindsay-Davies, Chief Executive of DTG, stated: “Lesley is an exceptional appointment for the DTG. Her depth of experience across broadcast, streaming, and technology, combined with a strong understanding of regulation, audiences, and market change, makes her ideally placed to chair the DTG at a pivotal moment for our industry. As the sector navigates major questions around sustainability, resilience, and the potential transition towards greater IP delivery, Lesley’s leadership will be invaluable.”

He added: “I would also like to thank Simon Fell for his outstanding contribution as Chair. Over two full terms, Simon has provided steady leadership, clear strategic direction, and unwavering support to the executive team and membership. His impact on the organisation and the wider industry will be long-lasting, and we are deeply grateful for his commitment and service.”

Fell said: “It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of the DTG during a period of significant change for the television industry. The organisation plays a vital role in bringing the sector together to solve shared challenges, and I am proud of what the team and members have achieved together. Lesley is a fantastic successor, and I look forward to seeing the DTG continue to lead the industry with confidence and purpose.”

Mackenzie commented: “I am delighted to be taking on the role of Chair at the DTG. The organisation has a unique position at the heart of the UK television ecosystem, and its ability to convene industry, technology providers, and policymakers has never been more important. I am looking forward to working with the board, the executive team, and members to help the sector navigate the next phase of evolution – from distribution and delivery models to audience expectations and technological innovation.”

George Jarrett recently covered this year’s DTG’s FutureTech, which featured discussions on everything from imaginative politics and shifting approaches to innovation to adaptable governance of technology. Discover more here.