Communications regulator Ofcom has appointed Ed Richards as
its new chief executive officer.
Richards joined the
Ofcom board in March 2003, and in July 2005 he was promoted to
chief operating officer.
He was previously
the prime minister's senior policy advisor on media, telecoms,
internet and e-government. Other previous positions include
controller of corporate strategy at the BBC and a consulting post
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.”
Richards replaces
Stephen Carter, who left Ofcom earlier this year.