Pettifer has served as interim chief executive since September 2024 and has been director of strategy for the agency since July 2021. Her appointment followed a ‘competitive’ recruitment process.
She joined the FSA from Ofcom where she was director of Public Policy, and has held senior civil service roles in the Ministry of Justice, the Cabinet Office and the Northern Ireland Office.
Experience and insight
FSA chair professor Susan Jebb said: “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.”
Former FSA chief executive Emily Jones announced that she would be leaving her role with the agency in July last year to take on the role of director of food, biosecurity and trade at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
FSA appointments
News of her departure coincided with the extension of Susan Jebb’s appointment as chair of the FSA, on request of Ministers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Commenting on her appointment, 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.”
Meanwhile, Asda has announced the appointment of David Lepley as its chief supply chain officer.
