Ofcom Appoints New CEO

Ofcom has appointed Ed Richards, its chief operating officer, as its new chief executive, taking over from Stephen Carter.

Six candidates were shortlisted for the post, with two other Ofcom employees, executives Kip Meek and Sean Williams, vying with Richards for the £400,000 a year role (see Frontrunner For Ofcom Top Job Is Named).

Richards joined the Ofcom board in March 2003 and was promoted to chief operating officer in July 2005, where his responsibilities, amongst others, included strategy, research and business planning.

Before joining Ofcom, Richards was the Prime Minister’s senior policy advisor on media, telecoms, internet and e-Government. Before that he was controller of corporate strategy at the BBC. He has also worked in consulting at London Economics Ltd.

Ofcom chairman David Currie said: “Ed has played a critically important role in the establishment of Ofcom. He has a profound understanding of the markets we regulate and is ideally placed to lead the organisation into the future.”

Richards said: “This is a fascinating job in a fascinating and fast changing area. We have a strong organisation, committed people and a track record that we intend to build on. I am thoroughly looking forward to the challenges.”

Ofcom: 020 7981 3040 www.ofcom.org.uk