The Cabinet Secretary, with the approval of the Prime Minister,
has appointed as the new
Permanent Secretary to the Department for International Trade
(DIT). He replaces interim Permanent Secretary who is retiring.
, currently
Director General, Strategy in the Covid Taskforce will take over
as the Head of the Taskforce, when James takes up his new role
later in the summer.
The Secretary of State for International Trade, MP, said:
“I’m delighted to welcome James to DIT as we enter our next
exciting stage. His experience will support our talented, driven
department as we negotiate trade deals with key markets across
the world, head the G7 trade track and encourage WTO reform.
“He will ensure we continue to encourage investment and exports
to help level up the country, particularly through our new trade
hubs across the U.K.
“I would also like to say a huge thank you to John for all his
work supporting the department over the past few months, and wish
him well in his retirement when James starts.”
The Cabinet Secretary, , said:
“James’s appointment is great news for DIT. His leadership of the
Covid Taskforce has been exceptional and he brings with him a
strong experience and expertise gained in a number of senior
roles at HM Treasury and Ministry of Justice. I look forward to
working with him as he leads the department to deliver the trade,
export and investment opportunities the country needs.
“I would like to thank who has provided
strong leadership to the department over the last few months.
“I am also grateful to for taking over
as Head of the Covid Taskforce. He has been a critical part of
the team supporting the Prime Minister over the last year and I
am delighted that he will be taking on this vital leadership
role.”
“I am delighted to be joining the Department for International
Trade. With the department having achieved so much in a short
period, I look forward to helping to secure further progress on
trade agreements, export and investment promotion and
levelling-up. I am excited to be joining such a skilled and
dedicated group as we put trade at the centre of recovery.”
Notes for Editors:
-
became the
Permanent Secretary leading the Covid Taskforce in the
Cabinet Office in October 2020. He has previously held a
number of senior roles in government including DG for Policy,
Communications and Analysis in the Ministry of Justice, DG
for Public Spending in HM Treasury between 2017 and 2020 and
DG, Tax and Welfare between 2015 to 2017.
-
Director General, Policy, Communication and Analysis,
Ministry of Justice, 2020 Director General, Public Spending,
HMT, 2017 to 2020 Director General, Tax and Welfare, HMT,
2015 to 2017 James was also the Principal Private Secretary
to both and
working in
Number 10.
