The Independent Press Standards Organisation (Ipso) has appointed Matt Tee, a former civil servant, as its chief executive.
He is currently chief operating officer of the NHS confederation, the representative trade body for the organisations that make up the NHS.
He was previously chief executive of NHS Direct, which closed in March this year, director general of communications at the health department and head of news at the trade and industry department.
Ipso's chair, Sir Alan Moses, said: "Matt has a deep understanding of the complex and sensitive relationship between the press, the public and government.
"As a highly experienced CEO and accomplished communicator, he brings a great deal of relevant experience which will stand him in good stead as we work together to establish Ipso as the independent and credible regulator of the press."
Tee spoke of being "excited" at his appointment. He said: "A free press is a cornerstone of our democracy. To be effective and credible, Ipso must be independent and free from the control of the press or the state.
"It will understand the press but be tough when there is wrongdoing."
Ipso is due to take over from the Press Complaints Commission in the autumn. It says that more than 90% of the UK's national press and the majority of regional press and major magazine publishers have signed up to the regulator.
The Guardian, Observer, Independent titles, London Evening Standard and Financial Times have not signed contracts to join Ipso.
Source: PA Media Lawyer
