Charles Anson, a former press secretary to the Queen and Margaret Thatcher, has joined the Press Complaints Commission within days of the body announcing its own demise.
Anson was press secretary to the Queen for seven years and previously worked in the Downing Street press office for two prime ministers, James Callaghan and Margaret Thatcher.
More recently, he has been director of communications at three large companies: Kleinwort Benson, Grand Met and the Hilton Group. He is co-vice chairman of Cubitt Consulting.
Anson, who replaces the outgoing commissioner, Ian Nichol, said: "I applied to be a member of the commission a year ago because I wanted to play my part in the important public service it offers...
"I am looking forward to using my experience to contribute both to this important work, and to the necessary transition to a new system of press regulation in this country".
Lord Hunt, the PCC's chairman, said: "Charles has a distinguished record of public service and experience in the private sector. His counsel and guidance at this time of great change will be invaluable."
Last Thursday, Hunt announced that the PCC was closing and transferring all staff, assets and liabilities to a new body.
Yesterday, Lord Justice Leveson said he would not necessarily endorse the PCC reform package being constructed by Hunt. Leveson said any reform "must work for me".
Sources: PCC/The Guardian
