The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) has appointed ITV news and current affairs director Michael Jermey to chair its board of trustees.

He takes over in March 2025 from Sue Inglish, whose term as chair is coming to an end.

Jermey is stepping down from his role leading ITV’s news and current affairs division at the end of the year. He has been in the role since 2008.

While at ITV he worked with the DEC to support the consortium of emergency relief charities’ TV appeals on the channel.

He has a four-decade year career in journalism, including as managing director of ITN International. He is also a former journalist at Central Television.

“His commitment to humanitarian causes, his experience in communicating on complex issues and his collaborative leadership style make him ideally suited to lead the DEC’s Board as we continue to respond to disasters and crises around the world,” said DEC.

Jermey added: “I am deeply honoured to be appointed Chair of the Disasters Emergency Committee. The DEC’s work is critical in mobilising the British public to support communities affected by some of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

“Having worked alongside the DEC through ITV’s appeals, I have seen first-hand the incredible impact of its work. As I prepare to leave ITV, I am excited to bring my experience to this new role and help further the DEC’s mission.”

DEC chief executive Saleh Saeed said: “We are incredibly grateful to Sue Inglish for her outstanding leadership as Chair of the DEC over the past six years.

“Her wisdom, compassion, and dedication have guided the DEC through some of the most challenging global crises in recent history.

“On behalf of the Board, member charities, and staff, I want to thank Sue for her exceptional service and look forward to building on her legacy with Michael Jermey as our new Chair.”

“As we prepare for this transition, the DEC remains committed to its mission of providing life-saving aid to those in need, and we look forward to working with Michael Jermey to continue this vital work.”

Earlier this week it emerged that humanitarian aid charity directors are concerned that the DEC is “increasingly conservative and bureaucratic”.

The warning was revealed in the umbrella group of UK charities' five-year strategic plan.

Charity directors also warned that too often DEC appeals are for causes “have the lowest risk or the most tangible elements of a response”.

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