New head of OFT announced

New head of OFT announced

New head of OFT announced

Trade and industry secretary Alan Johnson announced the appointment of a new chief executive of the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) today.

John Fingleton, currently the chairman of the Irish Competition Authority, will take up his five-year post in October 2005.

Mr Johnson said he was confident that Mr Fingerton’s experience at the Irish competition authority would be “of great benefit” to the OFT.

Mr Fingleton said: “I am both honoured and very pleased to be offered the post of chief executive of the OFT.” He said he would work to ensure “markets work better for the consumer and for the UK economy”.

The OFT enforces competition law, consumer law and tries to ensure markets function properly.