Katie Pettifer has been appointed CEO of the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
Pettifer has served as the interim CEO of FSA since September 2024, and was FSA director of Strategy since July 2021.
She joined the FSA from Ofcom where she was Director of Public Policy. Pettifer previously held Senior Civil Service roles in the Ministry of Justice, the Cabinet Office and the Northern Ireland Office.
Challenges and opportunities ahead
FSA CEO Katie Pettifer said: “The FSA does vital work to keep food safe and protect consumers. I’m delighted to have been appointed as the chief executive on a permanent basis.
“In 2025 – the FSA’s 25th anniversary year – there are both challenges and exciting opportunities ahead. I look forward to working with the FSA’s partners and stakeholders across the food system to make sure people continue to have food they can trust.”
“I feel very confident that under Katie’s leadership the FSA Executive will continue to uphold trust in the food system.”
Susan Jebb, FSA Chair
FSA chair Professor Susan Jebb commented: “I am delighted to see Katie appointed as the FSA’s permanent Chief Executive. She has strong experience of both Government policy and regulation, and brings strategic insights into how we can adapt and develop as an organisation.
“Her permanent appointment comes at a significant time, coinciding with the emergence of new opportunities across Government with the Plan for Change, five key missions, including health and economic growth, and the development of a food strategy in England as well as the implementation of the Northern Ireland Food Strategy Framework and Food Matters: Wales.
“I feel very confident that under Katie’s leadership the FSA Executive will continue to uphold trust in the food system.”
