Lesley Cowley OBE to Chair Building Digital UK
Company - People | Jun 18, 2025 | Business Cloud

Lesley Cowley OBE, with a notable track record in leading government agencies and digital transformation, has been appointed as the chair of Building Digital UK (BDUK) by Technology Secretary Peter Kyle. BDUK is tasked with enhancing the digital infrastructure of the UK, focusing on broadband and mobile coverage in hard-to-reach areas. Cowley will play a crucial role in advising on and supporting BDUK's key initiatives, such as Project Gigabit, which aims to deliver high-speed broadband, and the Shared Rural Network to improve 4G coverage in rural regions. Her experience as Chair at the DVLA, Companies House, and her leadership in promoting women's roles in tech industries underscore her suitability for this position. Cowley is set to take up her new role on July 1, 2025, succeeding interim chair Hazel Hobbs.
Sectors
- Telecommunications
- Public Administration
- Technology
Geography
- United Kingdom – Building Digital UK operates as a government agency within the UK, aiming to improve digital infrastructure nationwide.
Industry
- Telecommunications – The article discusses the expansion of digital infrastructure, including broadband and mobile coverage, which falls under the telecommunications sector.
- Public Administration – Building Digital UK is a government agency with missions that influence public services.
- Technology – Lesley Cowley's role and expertise relate significantly to the technology sector, focusing on digital transformation and improved connectivity.
Financials
Participants
Name | Role | Type | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Lesley Cowley OBE | Chair of Building Digital UK | Person | An experienced leader in digital and technology sectors, appointed as Chair of BDUK. |
Peter Kyle | Technology Secretary | Person | Responsible for appointing Lesley Cowley OBE as Chair of Building Digital UK. |
Building Digital UK (BDUK) | Government Agency | Company | A government agency tasked with improving broadband and mobile coverage in the UK. |
DVLA | Former Chair Organization | Company | Lesley Cowley's previous leadership role as Chair. |
Companies House | Former Chair Organization | Company | Another former leadership role held by Lesley Cowley. |
DNS Women | Co-founder Organization | Company | An organization co-founded by Lesley Cowley to promote women's inclusion in the domain name system industry. |
Airport Coordination Limited | Current Chair Organization | Company | An organization chaired by Lesley Cowley. |