Kovacic Replaces Majoras As FTC Chairman

This posting was written by Darius Sturmer, Editor of CCH Trade Regulation Reporter.

FTC Commissioner William E. Kovacic assumed the role of Chairman at the agency on March 31, following the departure of Deborah Platt Majoras from the position last week.

Although there was much speculation about Kovacic's succession to the post, the move was cemented on March 26, when President George W. Bush announced his intention to designate Kovacic to serve in the role.

Kovacic has served as a Commissioner at the agency since January 2006, following his nomination by the President and confirmation by the U.S. Senate. Prior to his appointment as a Commissioner, Kovacic taught law at George Washington University Law School in Washington, D.C.

His ascent to the Chairmanship is the culmination of years of service with the Commission. Previously, Kovacic served as the FTC general counsel from 2001 through 2004. He also has worked as a staff attorney in the FTC Bureau of Competition and as an attorney-advisor to former FTC Commissioner George W. Douglas. Kovacic's term at the Commission is set to end in 2011.

The news release announcing the move appears here on the FTC website.