Former Ofcom boss Katie Pettifer has been appointed as the full-time chief executive of the Food Standards Agency (FSA), having served in an interim role since September.
Pettifer, who stepped into the role after Emily Miles left to join Defra as director general of food, biosecurity and trade in September, was previously director of public policy at the television regulatory watchdog.
She has also held senior civil service roles in the Ministry of Justice, the Cabinet Office and the Northern Ireland Office.
Pettifer’s permanent appointment comes with the FSA at a potential crossroads, with the body involved in a massive shake-up of national food safety and regulation and with calls, including from its own leadership, for the agency to take on a new brief overseeing the government’s health agenda.
The FSA is also expected to play a key role in the launch of the government’s new National Food Strategy.
“I am delighted to see Katie appointed as the FSA’s permanent chief executive,” said FSA chair Professor Susan Jebb.
“She has strong experience of both government policy and regulation, and brings strategic insights into how we can adapt and develop as an organisation.
“Her permanent appointment comes at a significant time, coinciding with the emergence of new opportunities across government with the Plan for Change, five key missions including health and economic growth, and the development of a food strategy in England as well as the implementation of the Northern Ireland Food Strategy Framework and Food Matters: Wales.
“I feel very confident that under Katie’s leadership the FSA Executive will continue to uphold trust in the food system.”
Pettifer said: “The FSA does vital work to keep food safe and protect consumers and I’m delighted to have been appointed as the chief executive on a permanent basis.
“In 2025 – the FSA’s 25th anniversary year – there are both challenges and exciting opportunities ahead. I look forward to working with the FSA’s partners and stakeholders across the food system to make sure people continue to have food they can trust.”
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