Richard Moriarty has been promoted to chief executive of the Civil Aviation Authority.
He will succeed Andrew Haines, whose term of office is due to expire next summer.
Moriarty re-joined the UK aviation regulator last year as group director of consumers and markets and deputy chief executive.
He previously headed the Legal Services Board, which oversees the legal profession in England and Wales.
His appointment to the helm of the CAA followed a “rigorous” selection process including a significant number of excellent candidates, according to the authority.
He has also held a number of senior public and private sector roles including Affinity Water, the Social Housing Regulator, the Postal Services Commission and the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets.
CAA chairman Dame Deirdre Hutton said: “Following a thorough selection process that included a significant number of first class candidates, I am delighted to be able to announce the appointment of Richard Moriarty as the chief executive-designate of the CAA.
“Richard was the standout candidate throughout the process. His leadership qualities were recently further put to the test during the flying programme he led following Monarch Airlines entering into administration, where he clearly demonstrated his operational scope and capabilities.
“Richard has had the benefit of working closely with Andrew in two roles at the CAA and has shown that he has an excellent grasp of the wide and diverse issues our organisation manages on a daily basis.”
Moriarty said: “I am honoured and delighted to be asked to lead the CAA and build on the strong foundations laid by Andrew.
“We have a special responsibility to protect consumers and the broader public, whilst enabling the sustainable growth of an innovative and diverse industry that plays a vital role for our economy.
“I am looking forward to working closely with all those with an interest in shaping a successful future for UK aviation and the consumers it serves as we address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”
Haines said: “Richard is an excellent choice and is someone who has proved his commitment and capabilities time after time while working at the CAA.
“I look forward to continuing to work closely with Richard during the coming months as we transition.”