Katie previously served as the GDC's interim senior counsel and associate director of legal and brings over a decade of experience within the organisation to her new permanent position.
She commented, "I am honoured to take on this role and continue working with the excellent legal and governance teams at the GDC.
"Ensuring a strong legal framework and solid governance practices remain essential to maintaining public confidence in dental regulation, and I look forward to advancing this important work."
Before joining the GDC, Katie practised as a self-employed barrister, specialising in criminal and regulatory law, before transitioning to financial and healthcare regulation. During her tenure at the GDC, she has overseen the implementation of significant governance improvements and served as the council's board secretary for five years.
As executive director, Katie will lead on the delivery of the GDC's legal and governance services while ensuring adherence to the legal framework that governs the council's work and decision-making. She will also maintain her role as executive sponsor of the GDC's Women's Network, reflecting her commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives within the organisation.
Tom Whiting, chief executive of the GDC, said, "Katie has proved a real asset to the legal and governance directorate and the GDC. I have no doubt she will continue to provide the organisation with the benefit of her considerable skill and expertise as we continue with our strategic objectives."
Katie succeeds Clare Paget, who served as interim executive director from March 2023.