Sharon White has been appointed chief executive of Ofcom, the regulatory body’s board announced today.
White leaves the role of HM Treasury second permanent secretary to become Ofcom’s first female chief executive.
CSW reported that White was a favourite for the role on 5 December. With White’s move to Ofcom, the senior civil service loses the only visible permanent secretary from an ethnic minority it has had since 2012.
White, an economics graduate with 25 years’ experience in government and the public sector, succeeds Ed Richards as chief executive of the communications regulator.
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.”
Sharon White said: “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 will take on the £275,000-a-year role in March 2015.