Dame Sharon White

Sharon White was born in London in 1967. She completed her education at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, and University College London. Her career began in the civil service, where she held various roles, including Second Permanent Secretary from 2013 to 2015 and Director General, Public Spending from 2012 to 2013. These early positions involved overseeing significant government departments and financial management, building a foundation in public policy and economic affairs. She gained recognition for her work in fiscal policy and regulatory frameworks during her time in government service.

In 2015, White was appointed as the Chief Executive of Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator. During her four-year tenure, she managed the regulation of the country’s broadcasting, telecommunications, and postal sectors. Her leadership at Ofcom involved navigating technological changes and market shifts, ensuring fair competition and consumer protection. Following her role at Ofcom, Dame Sharon White became the sixth Chairman of the John Lewis Partnership in 2020, becoming the first woman to hold this position. Her leadership at John Lewis, a major UK retailer, involved steering the company through significant economic challenges and strategic transformations until her planned departure in February 2025.

After her impactful role at the John Lewis Partnership, Sharon White transitioned to new leadership positions. She was appointed Chair of Frontier Economics in January 2025 and also took on the role of Senior Managing Director and Head of Global Affairs at CDPQ, a Canadian public pension fund manager, based in London. These appointments highlight her continued influence in economic and financial sectors, working with asset class managers and contributing to global investment strategies. In July 2025, she was also created a life peer, sitting in the House of Lords, further cementing her public service contributions.