Ralph Bernard, CBE

Ralph Bernard's career in media began as a newspaper journalist before becoming an award-winning radio producer, pioneering network commercial radio documentaries. Moving into management, he was Chief Executive, then Executive Chairman of the FTSE-quoted GWR Group plc, building it into the UK’s largest commercial radio group. He led the team which created Classic FM, before becoming Chief Executive then Chairman of Classic FM from 1996 to 2012. Outside broadcasting, in addition to being Chairman of CSB, Ralph has held a number of posts in non-profit organisations including Chairman and trustee of the British Lung Foundation, playing a lead role in its merger with Asthma UK in 2020. He is Chairman of the Broadcast Journalism Training Council and is a trustee of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. He is Chairman of Quidem Productions, an independent producer of films, theatre and programmes for radio and television. Ralph was awarded a CBE for services to broadcasting in 1992.