Ed Richards takes over at Ofcom

The media industries regulator, Ofcom, has appointed Ed Richards as its new Chief Executive.

Ed Richards joined the Ofcom Board in March 2003. In July 2005 he was promoted to Chief Operating Officer, in which role his responsibilities included strategy, research, consumer policy, business planning, finance, human resources and OfcomÂ’s functions in the Nations and Regions.

Prior to his appointment to Ofcom, Ed was the Prime MinisterÂ’s Senior Policy Advisor on Media, Telecoms, Internet and e-Government. Before that he was Controller of Corporate Strategy at the BBC. He also worked in consulting 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."

Ed 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. I am thoroughly looking forward to the challenges."

Media Guardian (free registration required) has a profile and assessment of the challenges he faces.