Ofcom appoints new chief executive

The Ofcom Board has today announced the appointment of Sharon White as chief executive.

White will join Ofcom in late March 2015 from HM Treasury, where she has been second permanent secretary since 2013. Before that she served as Director General, public spending at HM Treasury.

Ofcom chairman, Dame Patricia Hodgson, said: “Sharon brings with her an outstanding combination of intellect, political acumen and experience leading complex public organisations.

“The Ofcom Board is confident that Sharon will provide the leadership and vision to ensure Ofcom continues to promote a thriving communications sector in the UK that operates in the public interest.”

White added: “The communications sector is vital to the economy and delivers essential services to everyone in the UK. I look forward to starting in this fascinating job and building on Ofcom’s considerable track record.”

White replaces Ed Richards, who will step down as chief executive at the end of December after leading the organisation for eight years.

ISBA, the voice of British advertisers, has welcomed the appointment. The company’s director of media and advertising, Bob Wootton, said:

“Sharon’s experience so far gives us great hope that she will continue the successes of her predecessor Ed Richards.

“With ever more interesting and challenging times ahead, she has no doubt big boots to fill to maintain the high standard that has been fostered at the evidence-based regulator with added proportionate responses.”