Page 26 - Powerlist 2019 - Digital Edition

The Top 10

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Sharon
White

Chief Executive, Ofcom

haron’s career has been full of ‘firsts’. When she was Before taking the position at Ofcom, she oversaw the UK’s
appointed chief executive of Ofcom three years ago, spending cuts as a senior Treasury advisor, a position that
Sshe became the first person of African Caribbean made her one of the most powerful women in Whitehall.
heritage and the first woman to head the regulator. She also A Cambridge graduate, Sharon worked in a Birmingham
became the first black woman to hold such a senior position church after she completed her studies. She entered the civil
in a media organisation. service as a graduate entry economist in what was then the
Her next first could be an even bigger one. Sharon is being Department for Education and Science in 1989.
strongly tipped as the next Bank of England Governor. Following her move to the Treasury, she focused on public
She has received glowing reviews for her work throughout spending within the department.
her career. When she was appointed the role at Ofcom, During her time at the Treasury, she oversaw a review of
Chairperson Dame Patricia Hodgson, said: “Sharon the financial management of government and the Treasury’s
brings with her an outstanding combination of intellect, management response to the global financial crisis between
political acumen and experience leading complex public 2007 and 2008. She became Second Permanent Secretary in
organisations. 2013, the first black woman, and only the second woman, to
“The Ofcom Board is confident that Sharon will provide the do so.
leadership and vision to ensure Ofcom continues to promote She built up further experience during stints at the British
a thriving communications sector in the UK that operates in Embassy in Washington and Number 10’s policy unit during
the public interest.” the Blair government.

22 Powerlist 2019