Geoffrey Podger, executive director of the European Food Safety Authority, is to take over as chief executive of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Due to take up his new role on 28 November, Podger will replace the current chief executive, Timothy Walker, who is retiring.

Before joining the European Food Safety Authority in 2003, Podger was chief executive of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in Britain from its inception in 2000 and spent 18 years at the Department of Health.

Health and Safety Minister Lord Hunt welcomed the appointment. “Coupled with his understanding of Europe, from where much new health and safety regulation stems, this makes him an ideal leader for HSE,” he said.