The Chief Executive of the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has been appointed as Director General of DECC’s Consumers and Households Group.

Clive Maxwell will be responsible for the Government’s key projects in improving energy efficiency and helping households and businesses cut their bills.

He will take up his role starting 24th February and has been Chief Executive at the OFT since July 2012.

Stephen Lovegrove, Permanent Secretary at DECC said: “I am very pleased that Clive is joining us at such an important time at DECC when we will be focusing constantly on bringing improvements for consumers. Clive’s wide experience in competition and consumer matters will be an incredibly valuable addition as we drive even greater competition in the energy industry to ensure consumers receive the best value in their services.”

Mr Maxwell has worked in a wide range of roles prior to joining the OFT, including for the Treasury from 1992-2009.