Mr Pescod joined the Administrative Service of the Hong Kong Government in August 1981. He has served in various bureaux and departments, including the former Home Affairs Branch, the former Security Branch, Lands Department, the former Urban Services Department, the former City and New Territories Administration and the former Civil Service Branch (later renamed Civil Service Bureau). He was Deputy Commissioner for Tourism from June 2001 to November 2004, Head, Efficiency Unit, from November 2004 to February 2006, and Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Communities from March 2006 to August 2008.

Mr Pescod assumes the post of Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Communications and Technology) on 18 August 2008. His policy responsibilities include telecommunications, information technology, broadcasting, film and creative industry, and innovation technology.