Jim O'Neil has been appointed as a new Second Permanent Secretary
to the Treasury.
Jim brings a wealth of experience from investment banking and
corporate finance to the Treasury, after a long career at Bank of
America. He also has experience in the public sector, spending
three years at UK Financial Investments. As Chief Executive of
UKFI, he managed the government's holdings in Royal Bank of
Scotland, Lloyds Banking Group, and UK Asset Resolution.
His appointment is part of the government's plan to deliver its
number one mission to kickstart economic growth as part of the
Plan for Change, and follows the Chancellor's commitment to lead
the most pro-growth Treasury in the country's history.
Jim's experience will help the government to secure private
investment, boost the economy, and ultimately put more pounds in
people's pockets. His deep knowledge of the private sector will
help the government to rip out the barriers to growth, provide
support for the key industries at home, and work to secure open
and fair trade abroad.
Chancellor of the Exchequer said:
I'm very pleased to welcome Jim as our new Second Permanent
Secretary, his extensive knowledge of the private sector will be
vital in helping us deliver our number one mission to grow the
economy. It's fantastic to have him join the Treasury's top team.
Jim O'Neil said:
I am delighted to have been appointed Second Permanent Secretary
to the Treasury at this important time for our country and our
economy. We are living through a time of great change globally,
making the need for an economy of stability, resilience, and
growth all the more important. I look forward to working with the
Chancellor, her ministers, and officials across the department to
deliver on these missions so the Treasury can bring positive
change to the lives of people right across the country.
Jim is expected to start in his new position in July and will
work alongside the two other Second Permanent Secretaries in HM
Treasury, Beth Russell who is based at the Darlington Economic
Campus and who is also Chief Economic Adviser. As well as
overseeing tax and spending, Beth will continue to be responsible
for devolution and regional growth including engagement with
regional and local government and others in the north.
Jim was appointed through a fair and open competition and has
completed all of the necessary declarations of interest.
