Home > Media and Analysts > News Release Archive > 2006 > May > 26/05/06

26|05|06

Stephen Carter to stand down as Ofcom Chief Executive

The Ofcom Board today announced that Stephen Carter will stand down from his role as Chief Executive Officer, with effect from 15 October 2006.

He will continue to lead on all operational and financial matters until that date, but from 1 August 2006 will not be party to Ofcom's economic, competition and policy decisions.

David Currie, Ofcom Chairman, said: "Stephen took on an immensely challenging task - and has performed outstandingly. His legacy is an effective and credible organisation which plays an important role in delivering greater choice, lower prices and greater innovation."

Stephen Carter said: "There is never a good time to leave a great job. However, Ofcom is now firmly established, broadband and digital competition are delivering real results, and the recent extension of David's term makes for an orderly transition."

Ends.

NOTES FOR EDITORS AND CSEs

From 1 August 2006 and until Stephen Carter's successor is appointed and in post, David Currie will act as Executive Chairman and will chair the Policy Executive - the senior executive committee which guides the direction of Ofcom policy - as well as the Ofcom Board.

Given the nature of the role, the Ofcom Chief Executive is contractually prevented from securing future employment whilst in employment with Ofcom. Stephen Carter's contract also contains appropriate gardening leave restrictions up to a maximum of 12 months at the discretion of the Chairman.

The executive search process to appoint Stephen Carter's successor will begin on Sunday 18 June 2006 and will be led by Jan Hall of JCA Group. The post will be advertised nationally and will be open to external and internal candidates.

The Chief Executive of Ofcom is a public appointment made by the Ofcom Board, involving an independent assessor and subject to approval by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.

Ofcom seeks to complete the recruitment and appointment process by early autumn 2006, with a new Chief Executive in post in time to begin work on Ofcom's annual plan for the 2007/8 financial year.

Back to top