Ofcom has today announced the appointment of Natalie Black CBE as its new Group Director, Networks and Communications.
Natalie was the UK’s first HM Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific from 2018 to 2023. Based in Singapore, she led the UK’s trade strategy and operations across the region. Previously, she served as Deputy Head of the Number 10 Policy Unit, Director of the Internet Harms Unit, and Director of the Office of Cyber Security. Before joining the Civil Service, Natalie was the Chief of Staff to the Director of Security at London2012, a management consultant and a Fulbright scholar at Harvard University.
As Group Director, Networks and Communications, Natalie will be responsible for Ofcom’s work in the telecoms, post and network sectors, where our aim is to protect consumers and promote competition. She will also lead our work on the implications of Artificial Intelligence, overseeing any future regulatory impact for Ofcom, and will be an Executive Member of Ofcom’s Board.
It is a privilege to be appointed as Group Director, Networks and Communications, and to play a role in ensuring that people get the most out of their networks and services, which are fundamental to opportunity and economic growth. I’m looking forward to working with the talented and expert teams at Ofcom, which are respected around the world.
Natalie Black
I am delighted to welcome Natalie to Ofcom. She brings a wealth of leadership experience from both the UK and abroad, and her expertise in issues ranging from cyber security to online harms will be invaluable.
Whether it is championing the interests of consumers or equipping Ofcom for the risks and opportunities brought by AI, I’m confident that Natalie will make a huge contribution to ensuring that communications work for everyone.
Dame Melanie Dawes, Chief Executive.