Appointment of Stephen Carter as Chief Executive

Stephen Carter has been appointed Chief Executive of the Office of Communications (Ofcom) - the new regulator to be responsible for broadcasting, telecommunications and spectrum management.

Carter (38), who was Managing Director of NTL and before that Chief Executive of J Walter Thompson UK, will take up his post on March 1.

As Chief Executive of Ofcom he will be responsible, with the Board, for creating the new organisation which will take the place of five regulators - The Broadcasting Standards Commission (BSC); The Independent Television Commission (ITC); Oftel; The Radiocommunications Agency and The Radio Authority.

One of his first tasks will be to draw on the skills of the current teams in creating the new organisation. He will also, along with the Board, formulate strategy and policy for Ofcom and - once it is up and running - be responsible for its day to day operations.

Said Lord Currie, Chairman of Ofcom: "I am very pleased that Stephen is to join us. He has exactly the right qualities to deliver these requirements as well as considerable experience of working in the advertising, broadcasting and telecommunications sectors. Stephen and the Board will now begin the recruitment of a first rate executive management team to support him."

Said Stephen Carter: "An effective Ofcom is critical for all media and communications businesses. For me the opportunity was an irresistible one. I am delighted to join David and the Board in helping to bring Ofcom to life."

Carter, who was born in Scotland and graduated with a law degree from the University of Aberdeen, started as a trainee with J Walter Thompson UK . He was made Managing Director in 1995 and Chief Executive two years later.

In late 2000, Carter became Managing Director of the cable company NTL. During his tenure at NTL, the company helped create the broadband market in the UK and established a market leading position in broadband services. This achievement, together with a focus on improving operating efficiencies and reducing costs, enabled NTL to become operating cash flow positive. He left NTL at the end of 2002 as the Group was poised to exit Chapter 11.

Said the Right Hon.Tessa Jowell MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport: " I am delighted that the Ofcom Board have been able to select a candidate with relevant commercial and management experience. I am sure Stephen Carter will be an asset to Ofcom."

The Right Hon. Patricia Hewitt MP, Secretary of State for the Department of Trade and Industry added: " With Stephen Carter's appointment, Ofcom now have on board a team with a wide range of skills and experience, and are ready to take on the challenges ahead of a dynamic communications market."

Notes to Editors:

1. Ofcom was formally set up through paving legislation, The Office of Communications Act 2002, which received Royal Assent in March.
2. The Communications Bill, which is likely to become an Act in the summer of this year, will confer regulatory powers on Ofcom which is expected to start operating at the end of October.
3. Ofcom's regulatory style will be light handed where possible but tough when necessary. The decisions it takes will be based on strong evidence and powerful analysis. Ofcom will also be accountable and transparent and in touch with consumers and citizens as well as all key stakeholders.

For further information contact:

Richard Peel, Communications Advisor, Ofcom
Tel: 02072972918

Richard Oldworth, Buchanan Communications
Tel: 02074665000

Appointment of Stephen Carter as Chief Executive

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