Sam Ulyatt has officially stepped into her new role as Chief Executive Officer of the Crown Commercial Service (CCS), following a competitive external recruitment process that began in January
She takes over from Simon Tse, who retired after leading the organisation through a transformative period. Sam’s appointment marks her return to CCS, where she previously served as Commercial Director for Buildings, before moving to the Home Office in 2020 as Chief Commercial Officer.
Sam Ulyatt’s role at CCS
During her time at the Home Office, Sam played a vital role in managing several high-stakes commercial and operational challenges. Her expertise in navigating complex procurement landscapes and leading strategic initiatives has earned her recognition as a strong and effective leader within the public sector.
Now based in the North West, she started her work at CCS on July 8th, allowing for a transition period alongside Simon Tse to ensure a seamless handover of leadership.
The leadership team at CCS, including Peter George, Chair of CCS’s Board, has expressed confidence in Sam’s ability to guide the organisation forward. Her deep knowledge of the organisation and her experience in the wider public sector are seen as key strengths that will enable her to continue CCS’s mission of driving value across government procurement services.
The future of CCS
Cabinet Office Permanent Secretary, Cat Little, praised Sam’s wealth of experience, particularly her ability to tackle complex commercial challenges. She is expected to bring fresh ideas to CCS, especially in the context of upcoming changes to procurement regulations set to take effect in February 2025.
Sam has outlined her vision for CCS, focusing on enhancing the impact of public procurement and delivering better outcomes for critical services across the UK.
She is committed to promoting a culture that embraces the organisation’s core values of listening, respecting, collaborating, and building trust. Her leadership approach is centred around strong engagement with public sector stakeholders, to ensure that CCS continues to deliver efficient, cost-effective solutions that meet the evolving needs of its customers.
As CCS enters a critical period of regulatory change and strategic growth, Sam Ulyatt’s appointment is seen as a timely and positive development, positioning the organisation for future success. Her return brings continuity, fresh leadership, and a clear focus on upholding CCS’s values and delivering strong outcomes for public sector procurement.
