Miles, currently director general for Food, Farming and Biosecurity at the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, will take over from interim chief executive, Dr Arun Chopra, who will return to his substantive role of chief inspector of mental health.

Miles, who previously worked as chief executive of the Food Standards Agency, said: ‘I'm delighted to have been appointed chief executive of the Care Quality Commission and look forward to starting the role later this year. My career has been built on public service and rooted in a deep commitment to putting people's needs first. I'm immensely proud that I will have such a crucial role in delivering CQC's vision that everyone gets safe, effective, compassionate care. 

‘I will do all I can to make sure that the independent regulator of health and social care protects people and supports services to improve – as well as encouraging services to work better together so people stay well and get high-quality care when they need it.'

Miles' appointment came after health and social care secretary James Murray announced Rabbi Baroness Julia Neuberger as the preferred candidate for CQC chair.