White confirmed as Ofcom Chief
December 16, 2014
As widely anticipated, the Ofcom Board has announced the appointment of Sharon White as Chief Executive of the regulatory body.
White will join Ofcom in late March 2015 from HM Treasury, where she is Second Permanent Secretary.
In this role, White is the lead official responsible for managing the UK’s public finances, a position she has held since November 2013. Before that she served as Director General, Public Spending at HM Treasury.
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. White 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 that White brought 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,” she added.
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,” she stated.
White replaces Ed Richards, who will step down as Chief Executive at the end of December 2014 after leading the organisation for eight years. To provide continuity, Steve Unger, Director of Ofcom’s Strategy, International, Technology and Economist Group, will step up as Acting Chief Executive ahead of White starting in her role. White’s salary will be £275,000 per annum.