Lesley Cowley OBE
Biography
Lesley was Chair of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) from October 2014 to January 2024. She was also Chair of Companies House from March 2017 to February 2023.
She was Lead Non-Executive Director and then Chair of The National Archives from 2016 to 2022. She is also Chair of ACL Ltd and a Non-Executive Director of Public Digital Ltd., both private companies. She was the Institute of Directors UK NED of the Year Winner, 2019.
Education
Lesley has a masters degree in Business Administration (MBA) with distinction in 1997 from Bristol Business School, University of the West of England. She completed the senior executive programme at Ashridge Business School in 2014.
In 2015, she was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Technology by University of the West of England. This was in recognition of her achievement and influence in the field of technology.
She has been recognised for her contribution to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and STEM ambassadors in schools.
Career
Lesley was made an OBE for services to the internet and e-commerce in 2011. She was previously CEO of Nominet, a role she held from 2004 to 2014. She also served as ICANN ccNSO chair and as a member of the UK Government Cyber Crime Reduction Partnership.
Previous roles in government
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Chair of Main Board and Remuneration Committee
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Non-executive Chair