Sam Ulyatt has officially commenced her role as Chief Executive of the Crown Commercial Service (CCS), following a competitive recruitment process launched in January.
Ulyatt's leadership comes at a critical time, with CCS set to play a pivotal role in adapting to the new procurement framework and enhancing service delivery across the public sector. She has emphasised her commitment to fostering a culture of collaboration, trust, and stakeholder engagement to achieve better outcomes for the UK government’s procurement needs.
She replaces Simon Tse, who retired after leading the organisation through significant transformations since 2018.
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to come back to CCS as Chief Executive. I aim to continue the great work across the public sector by adding value to the critical services we support and enabling better outcomes for the UK,” said Ulyatt. “I commit to shape and lead the organisation by listening, respecting, collaborating and trusting. Key to this is connecting with the whole of the public sector and providing direction in which we all commit to deliver for stakeholders.”
At the Home Office, Ulyatt was recognised for her ability to manage complex procurement and operational challenges, positioning her as an effective leader in navigating the evolving commercial landscape. Her return to CCS is seen as a timely appointment, particularly with new procurement regulations set to take effect in 2025.
Before joining the civil service, Ulyatt held senior roles in the private sector, including at United Utilities and E.ON UK. Her cross-sector experience has been highlighted as key to driving CCS’s mission to deliver value and innovation in public procurement. Peter George, Chair of CCS’s Board, and Cabinet Office Permanent Secretary Cat Little, both praised Ulyatt's leadership, particularly her collaborative approach and customer focus.