UK telecoms regulator Ofcom announced that Sharon White, currently a senior civil servant at the treasury, will replace Ed Richards as its chief executive in March next year.

Richards announced in October his intention to step down from the role at the end of 2014, after eight years at the helm.

White (pictured) is currently second permanent secretary in the UK Treasury, in which she is responsible for managing public finance. She was previously director general for public spending at the same government body.

She has 25 years of experience in the public sector and government including spells in Washington DC, the Number 10 Policy Unit, and World Bank. She has also worked in the Department for International Development, the Department of Work and Pensions and the Ministry of Justice.

Ofcom chairman Dame Patricia Hodgson said White brings “an outstanding combination of intellect, political acumen and experience leading complex public organisations”.

She added that the Ofcom board, which selected White, is confident its new recruit will provide “the leadership and vision to ensure Ofcom continues to promote a thriving communications sector in the UK that operates in the public interest.”

Steve Unger, director of Ofcom’s strategy, international technology and economist group, will be acting chief executive between Richards’ departure and White joining Ofcom.