Richards, who has been on the Ofcom Board since March 2003, replaces Stephen Carter, who left the media watchdog in July, with immediate effect.
For the past year, Richards has been chief operating officer, responsible for the regulator's strategy, research and consumer policy as well as business planning, finance and human resources.
Ofcom chairman David Currie said: "Richards has played a critically important role in the establishment of Ofcom. He has a profound understanding of the markets we regulate and is ideally placed to lead the organisation into the future."
Before working as Tony Blair's senior policy advisor on media, telecoms, internet and e-government, he was controller of corporate strategy at the BBC.
"This is a fascinating job in a fascinating and fast changing area," said Richards. "We have a strong organisation, committed people and a track record that we intend to build on. I am thoroughly looking forward to the challenges."
For the past year, Richards has been chief operating officer, responsible for the regulator's strategy, research and consumer policy as well as business planning, finance and human resources.
Ofcom chairman David Currie said: "Richards has played a critically important role in the establishment of Ofcom. He has a profound understanding of the markets we regulate and is ideally placed to lead the organisation into the future."
Before working as Tony Blair's senior policy advisor on media, telecoms, internet and e-government, he was controller of corporate strategy at the BBC.
"This is a fascinating job in a fascinating and fast changing area," said Richards. "We have a strong organisation, committed people and a track record that we intend to build on. I am thoroughly looking forward to the challenges."
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