The Ofcom board has confirmed the appointment of Sharon White as its new chief executive.
The favourite for the post, White will join the media regulator in late March 2015 from HM Treasury, where she is Second Permanent Secretary.
An economics graduate, White has 25 years’ experience in the public sector and Government, starting with spells in Washington, the No 10 Policy Unit, and the World Bank. She later worked in the Department for International Development, the Department of Work and Pensions, the Ministry of Justice and the 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 replaces Ed Richards, who will step down as chief executive at the end of December 2014 after eight years. Steve Unger, director of Ofcom’s Strategy, International, Technology and Economist Group, will become acting chief executive in the intervening period.
