The regional press now knows the identity of the man charged with ushering in a new era of regulation.

Former civil servant Matt Tee has been appointed chief executive of the Independent Press Standards Organisation – set to take over from the Press Complaints Commission this autumn.

And, according to IPSO chairman Sir Alan Moses, the new man comes armed as an “accomplished communicator” ready to establish the replacement body as an “independent and credible regulator.”

Matt, currently chief operating officer of the NHS confederation which acts as representative trade body for the organisations that make up the National Health Service, is a former chief executive of the now defunct NHS Direct; ex-director general of communications at the health department; and one time head of news at the trade and industry department.

He is adamant that a free press constitutes “a cornerstone of our democracy.” And he added: “To be effective and credible, IPSO must be independent and free from the control of the press or the state.

“Excited” at the prospect of the new challenge, the chief executive said the regulatory body will have to “understand the press but be tough when there is wrongdoing.”

IPSO chairman Sir Alan, a Court of Appeal judge, said: “Matt has a deep understanding of the complex and sensitive relationship between the press, the public and government.

“As a highly experienced CEO and accomplished communicator, he brings a great deal of relevant experience which will stand him in good stead as we work together to establish Ipso as the independent and credible regulator of the press.”

Most of the regional press and magazine publishers have signed up to the regulator.