|
10 August 2005 - HSE Announce Appointment
of New Chief Executive
Navigation
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have announced the
appointment of their new Chief Executive to be Mr. Geoffrey Podger, who is due
to commence his position on 28 November 2005, following Mr. Timothy Walkers'
(current Chief Executive) retirement at the end of September 2005.
Mr. Podger, currently Executive Director of the European Food
Safety Authority, has extensive experience in fields such as the following:
-
Joined the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in 2003 as
Chief Executive.
-
Prior to his EFSA appointment Mr. Podger was Chief Executive of
the Food Standards Agency (FSA) from inception to 2000.
-
Prior to his FSA appointment, Mr. Podger spent 18 years in the
Department of Health, which included a period where he headed their promotion
work.
Health and Safety Commission Chairman, Mr. Bill Callaghan said
of the new appointment:
“I am extremely pleased that Geoffrey Podger is joining HSE
to become its Chief Executive and the Commission look forward to working with
him. He brings valuable experience in managing multidisciplinary teams and also
in working with a wide range of stakeholders.
"I am confident that he will be able to build on his many
successes, particularly at the FSA which faces similar issues to ourselves, and
help HSE become even better at protecting people in the changing world of work.”
Commenting on behalf of the Government, Lord Hunt, Minister
responsible for Health and Safety said:
“I am delighted with this appointment. Geoffrey understands
the contribution that good, sensible regulation can make to a fast moving and
complex society like ours. As a former Chief Executive with the Food Standards
Agency, he has a track record in risk-based regulation – focusing effort where
it is most needed. This fits very comfortably with the approach to sensible
health and safety which the Health and Safety Commission and Executive have been
pursuing as part of the Strategy for Workplace Health and Safety to 2010.
Coupled with his understanding of Europe, from where much new health and safety
regulation stems, this makes him an ideal leader for HSE. I very much look
forward to working with him.”
Commenting on his new appointment, 52 year old Mr Podger said:
“I am delighted to be given the chance to lead the HSE. I
regard the work of the Commission and Executive as being an important component
of a civilised society. I look forward to working with high calibre colleagues
within the HSE and HSC to continue to deliver improvements in health and
safety.”
We at HSfB congratulate Mr. Podger on his new appointment and
wish him every success for the future.
Article by Alexandra Johnston
 Click Here to
Email This Article To a Friend
|
