A start-up founder who leads a government-backed female entrepreneurship initiative is among the contenders to become the next chair of Channel 4.

Sky News understands that Debbie Wosskow is among the names featuring on a list of candidates to replace Sir Ian Cheshire, who stepped down earlier this year.

The race to lead the state-owned broadcaster's board has acquired additional importance in recent weeks after the resignation of Alex Mahon, its long-serving chief executive.

Ms Mahon, who was a vocal opponent of the last government's proposed privatisation of Channel 4, is leaving to join Superstruct, a private equity-owned live entertainment company.

The appointment of a new chair is expected to take place by the autumn, with the chosen candidate expected to lead the recruitment of Ms Mahon's successor.

Dawn Airey, the veteran television executive, is serving as Channel 4's interim chair but has reportedly ruled herself out of the running for the role on a longer-term basis.

Ms Wosskow is already on the board of Channel 4, having joined as a non-executive director in January last year.

It was unclear on Tuesday whether any of the broadcaster's other non-executives have thrown their hat into the ring to succeed Sir Ian.

Ms Wosskow, who now jointly chairs the Invest In Women taskforce, founded the home exchange start-up Love Home Swap before selling it to Wyndham in 2017.

The appointment of directors of Channel 4 is technically led by Ofcom, the media regulator, in agreement with the culture secretary.

Channel 4 has been contacted for comment, while Ms Wosskow declined to comment when approached by Sky News.

(c) Sky News 2025: Love Home Swap founder Wosskow screened for Channel 4 chair job