The CAA has appointed Paul Smith as consumers and markets director.
Smith joins the CAA from the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR), where he was head of policy. He has also served as the chief executive of the Australian Energy Market Commission and held senior positions at Ofgem and Postcomm.
Smith will start his new post in May and will assume responsibility for the CAA’s economic regulation, competition, consumer protection and consumer enforcement activity.
Richard Moriarty, currently deputy chief executive who becomes chief executive of the CAA from June 1, said: “Paul brings a wealth of experience across many regulated sectors both in the private and public sector. He joins us at an important time and will lead our work on the new Heathrow runway, the licensing of UK airlines and tour operators, and enforcing consumer rights.”
Smith said: “There is no doubt that the coming years in aviation will be both challenging and rewarding and I’m very much looking forward to joining the CAA and to working across a hugely diverse range of issues. It is a very exciting time to be joining the aviation regulator as it proactively addresses numerous issues and opportunities and I am incredibly enthusiastic about joining the team and helping the organisation progress in the years ahead.”