Ministers have today confirmed the appointment of Andy King as the new Chief Executive of Companies House, the UK’s registrar of companies. 

Andy brings extensive experience in leadership roles in customer, business operations, regulatory and enforcement settings, including during his time at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Ministry of Defence. He will lead the organisation as it continues to modernise company registration and strengthen the UK’s business environment. 

Companies House plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the UK’s corporate landscape, processing over 14 million company filings each year and providing essential information to businesses, lenders, and the public. 

The appointment comes as the organisation prepares for new reforms designed to improve efficiency, enhance corporate transparency, and tackle economic crime. 

Competition and Markets Minister Justin Madders said: 

I’d like to thank Louise Smyth for her significant contribution for the past eight years as CEO and especially for her leading role in the transformation of the organisation.  

Andy King brings excellent expertise to Companies House and I look forward to working together to improve corporate transparency and tackle economic crime.  

This appointment will help strengthen Britain’s business environment and support our Plan for Change to kickstart economic growth.

New Companies House CEO Andy King said:  

I’m delighted to be joining Companies House and feel honoured to be able to lead such a motivated and dedicated team.   

I am excited by our mission to deliver essential services to business, and the opportunity to be ambitious in our vision for those services, our workforce and our organisation, as we continue to advance our change programme.

King will take up the role in September and will be responsible for leading Companies House’s 1900-strong workforce across offices in Cardiff, Edinburgh, and Belfast. 

The appointment was made following an open competition overseen by the Civil Service Commission, ensuring the process met the highest standards of fairness and transparency.