Ofcom has appointed Sharon White as its new chief executive. She will leave her current position as second permanent secretary at HM Treasury, and join Ofcom in late March 2015.
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.
As second permanent secretary White is 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.
“Sharon brings with her an outstanding combination of intellect, political acumen and experience leading complex public organisations,” said Ofcom chairman, Dame Patricia Hodgson.
“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.”
