Christopher Woolard appointed Interim Chief Executive of the FCA

27 Jan 2020 10:51 AM

HM Treasury, following advice of the Board of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), has appointed Christopher Woolard as Interim Chief Executive.

Chris will take on the Chief Executive role following Andrew Bailey’s departure to become Governor of the Bank of England. Chris is currently the FCA’s Executive Director of Strategy and Competition and an Executive member of the FCA’s Board.

Charles Randell, the FCA’s chair, said:

“I’m looking forward to working with Chris in his Interim Chief Executive role. I’m confident that he and Executive Committee colleagues will continue to deliver our ambitious plans for change in 2020 and beyond, building on the foundations laid by Andrew Bailey.”

Chris Woolard, said:

“I’m delighted that I’ve been asked to take on this role. We have a huge job to do and I’m looking forward to working with the Board and colleagues across the FCA as we continue to deliver the FCA’s mission.”

Notes to Editors

• As Executive Director of Strategy and Competition, Chris is responsible for the FCA’s policy output, its work on innovation, competition and economics and for helping direct the strategy for the financial regulator. Chris joined the Financial Services Authority in 2013, to help lead the creation of the FCA. Before that, Chris worked at Ofcom (2009-2012), the BBC (2005-2009) and in the civil service (1995-2005).
• Chris is also currently a non-executive member of the Payment Systems Regulator Board.
• The Chief Executive of FCA is a public appointment made by HM Treasury.
• HM Treasury will be running an open competition for the permanent Chief Executive and further details will be announced in due course.