Treasury official Sharon White takes top Ofcom job

Ofcom has appointed Treasury official Sharon White as its new chief executive. 

 

White will join the broadcasting watchdog late March next year, taking over from Ed Richards, who will step down at the end of December. She picks up an annual salary of £275,000.

 

She is currently the second permanent secretary at the Treasury, where she has been since November 2013. 

 

She has held a number of high ranking roles in 25 years of work in the public sector and government, including director general general of public spending at the Treasury and stints at  the Department for International Development, the Department of Work and Pensions and the Ministry of Justice. She has also worked in Washington, the No 10 Policy Unit and the World Bank.

 

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."