Louise Smyth has been appointed as interim Regulator of Community Interest Companies for a period of six months, the government announced today (6 September).
Louise Smyth is currently the Registrar of Companies for England and Wales, and Chief Executive of Companies House, and will take on the position of interim Regulator alongside these roles.
The current Regulator, Ceri Witchard, was appointed on 14 September 2015 and is now coming to the end of her 5-year term.
The Regulator of Community Interest Companies is an office holder established by the Companies (Audit, Investigations and Community Enterprise) Act 2004. A community interest company is a special type of limited company which exists to benefit the community rather than private shareholders.
The Regulator decides if an organisation is eligible to become, or continue to be, a community interest company. The Regulator investigates complaints – taking action if necessary – against community interest companies and provides guidance and assistance to help people set them up.
Notes to editors
Louise Smyth Biography
Louise Smyth joined Companies House in September 2017 as Chief Executive and Registrar for England and Wales.
Before joining Companies House Louise held a number of senior positions at the Intellectual Property Office (IPO), including Director of IT, Director of People, Places & Services.
Louise went on to become Chief Operating Officer in 2014, responsible for Corporate Services: IT, People, Places and Services and Finance.
