New Chief Executive appointed

Richard Thompson OBE has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office (IPCO).

Richard takes up the role following an extensive career in the civil service, with positions in the Ministry of Defence, Cabinet Office and Home Office. He will be supporting the Investigatory Powers Commissioner, Sir Brian Leveson, by leading staff and driving forward both corporate and operational objectives.

Sir Brian Leveson said: 

“I am delighted to welcome Richard as the new Chief Executive of IPCO. With significant experience in counter-terrorism strategy and policy, he brings a wealth of invaluable knowledge and skills to the organisation.

“I am confident Richard will be an excellent leader and I very much look forward to working with him.”

The Chief Executive is also responsible for leading the Office for Communications Data Authorisations (OCDA), IPCO’s sister organisation. Find out more about OCDA here.

Richard began the new role on 4 December 2023. His appointment followed IPCO’s previous Chief Executive, Amanda Jeffery CBE, who held the post since 2018.

Biography:

Richard Thompson

Richard Thompson joined the Civil Service in 2003 and worked in the Ministry of Defence, the Cabinet Office and the Home Office. He produced the government’s counter-terrorism (CONTEST) strategy in 2018, learning the lessons of the 2017 attacks, and was awarded an OBE for services to countering terrorism in 2019. Most recently, Richard worked as a Deputy Director in the Home Office, responsible for tackling terrorist content online and the Online Safety Act. Away from work, Richard lives in the countryside with his wife and two sons and is a keen cyclist and runner.