The director of regulation at water company Affinity Water has been named the new chief executive of the Legal Services Board (LSB).

Richard Moriarty will join the LSB in early 2015 with a background spanning a number of regulated sectors across the economy.

Before joining Affinity Water, he was director of economic regulation at the Civil Aviation Authority, where he led its review of airport regulation and competition policy, which resulted in a shift towards greater deregulation.

Previously Mr Moriarty was director of policy and market development at the social housing regulator, now the Homes and Communities Agency – where he remains a non-executive member and deputy chair of its Regulation Committee. During his time there, he led the development of a new regulatory framework aimed at reducing regulatory burdens for providers.

He has also held roles of deputy chief executive of the Postal Services Commission and head of supply regulation at Ofgem, the energy regulator.

LSB chair Sir Mike Pitt said: “I am delighted that Richard will be joining the LSB. His experience, style and commitment to making the legal services market work well for legal services providers and consumers alike impressed the board and make him well placed to lead the LSB as it enters its next phase.”

Mr Moriarty said: “I am very pleased and honoured to have the opportunity to lead the LSB at this important time. We all have an interest in a successful legal services market as confidence in it underpins our democracy, economy and a wider public interest.

“I look forward to working closely with all those that have an interest in our legal sector to ensure it remains admired at home and abroad by delivering for consumers and by being innovative, vibrant and effective.”

He replaces Chris Kenny, who will leave the LSB at the end of next month as its chief executive at the beginning of January 2015.

During the interim period, LSB corporate director Julie Myers will lead on the CEO’s accounting officer responsibilities, while strategy director Caroline Wallace will lead on the CEO’s regulatory responsibilities.

Chris Kenny will be making one of his last public appearances as LSB chief executive at next month’s Legal Futures Annual Conference – Era of the Entrepreneur. Click here for details.

Tags: Legal Services Board