MUMBAI: The Ofcom Board has appointed Ed Richards as its Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect.

Prior to his appointment to Ofcom, Ed was the Prime Minister’s Senior Policy Advisor on Media, Telecoms, Internet and e-Government. He has also worked as the Controller of Corporate Strategy at the BBC.

On his new appointment, 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."

"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," said Ofcom Chairman David Currie.

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

Ofcom is the independent regulator and competition authority for the UK communications industries, with responsibilities across television, radio, telecommunications and wireless communications services.