Craig Westwood, a former corporate affairs executive and ministerial private secretary, has been appointed chief executive of super-regulator the Legal Services Board. He will join on 19 August from the Electoral Commission, where he is director of communications, policy and research.
Before joining the commission, Westwood was a partner in the corporate communications agency Pagefield, ‘leading corporate affairs accounts for clients ranging from major multinational brands to UK public institutions’. He spent the preceding decade in the civil service.
Westwood said: ‘The legal sector plays a fundamental role in both our society and our economy but is facing significant challenges. Effective regulation can support it to develop and thrive, maintaining the consumer and wider public interest.’
Recently departed LSB chief executive Matthew Hill was paid £147,000 in 2022-23, plus a £17,500 bonus. Hill sparked controversy at a conference in February when he described the current state of legal regulation as ‘mildly ridiculous’, blaming a ‘lack of energy’ among frontline watchdogs.
Law Society CEO Ian Jeffery said: ’We look forward to working with Craig when he takes up his role in August. The LSB plays an important role in overseeing regulation for the public and the profession and we have seen it engage in new ways with the public and the sector.
’We are looking forward to engaging with Craig on the key issues affecting our members and their clients.’
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