Ofcom names interim replacement for departing Richards

Current Ofcom director Steve Unger to assume full chief executive responsibilities until a successor is found

Ofcom has named Steve Unger as the man who will take over from departing chief executive Ed Richards at the end of December.

Unger will take on the role as acting chief executive until a permanent replacement for Richards is found. He is currently director of the Strategy, International, Technology and Economist Group of the regulatory body and will have the full responsibilities of the chief executive while he is the incumbent.

Ofcom says that the process of finding a permanent replacement for Richards is underway and that its board will announce an appointment in the new year.

Richards (pictured) joined the Ofcom Board in March 2003. He was promoted to chief operating officer in July 2005, before becoming chief executive in October 2006.