Carter has served on the Ashridge board since 2005 and will replace Prue Leith, who is standing down after five years, on July 10, 2007.

Kai Peters, Chief Executive, Ashridge Business School, comments: I am looking forward to working with Stephen and the other governors in strengthening our growth, in our traditional markets within Europe and in emerging ones including China, India and the Middle East.”

Commenting on his appointment, Stephen Carter said: “It is a privilege to work with Ashridge – one of the best quality brands in business education globally”. He added: “Ashridge is making a real difference to leaders and organsations in private, public and not-for-profit sectors. Its reputation for impact and innovation is growing rapidly: I couldn’t become Chairman at a more exciting time.”

Prior to joining Brunswick, the corporate communications consultancy, Carter was Chief Executive of Ofcom, the UK communications regulator. Before that he was Managing Director of telecoms company, NTL in the UK and Ireland and Chief Executive of the advertising group, J Walter Thompson UK.