She is to replace director of regulatory and legal strategy Rod Ainsworth, who will continue to serve as interim chief executive until Miles joins the FSA in September.
Miles joins the agency after spending four years with Defra. She previously held a number of civil service roles, including director of policing at the Home Office and policy advisor on home affairs.
‘Impressive track-record’
FSA chair Heather Hancock congratulated Miles on her appointment and commended her on her “impressive track-record in developing strategy and excellent outcomes across government, in Defra, the Cabinet Office and the Home Office”.
“She joins us at a pivotal moment in food regulation, as we implement our new regulatory regime outside the EU, manage the short-term impacts of leaving the EU, and drive forward our modernisation plans,” Hancock added. “I am in no doubt that Emily’s strategic vision and leadership will be highly effective at the FSA and I very much look forward to working with her.”
Challenges ahead
Commenting on her appointment, Miles said she looked forward to leading the department as it faced the challenges of Brexit and delivering regulatory transformation.
“As an organisation that attracts high levels of public trust, I am honoured to take up the role of FSA chief executive and to play my part in driving forward its mission of protecting consumers by ensuring food is safe and what it says it is,” said Miles.
“I look forward to getting to know the talented team there, as well as working with colleagues across national and local government, and in industry to deliver safe food for consumers as we face new challenges and new opportunities.”
