HM Treasury appoints new Head of the Government Finance Profession

HM Treasury has appointed Jon Thompson as Head of the Government Finance Profession. He will combine this post with his current role as Director General Corporate Services at the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

Jon will replace Dame Mary Keegan who is retiring after 4 years at HM Treasury.

Nick Macpherson, Permanent Secretary, said:

" I am incredibly pleased that Jon Thompson is taking on this important role. He has transformed financial management in his Department, and the profession will benefit from his wealth of private and public sector experience and expertise.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Dame Mary Keegan for her huge contribution to the Treasury and to the profession. Since joining the Treasury in 2004 she has made a towering contribution to the professional transformation of financial management across Government. She has spearheaded the Civil Service Professional Skills for Government Agenda, helping to drive the development of a twenty first century public service."

Jon Thompson said:

" I am delighted to be taking on this role at such a pivotal time in Central Government. It is my ambition that we build on the excellence and expertise that already exists to create a truly world-class Finance Profession across Government."
Jon will take over from Dame Mary on 1 April.

Notes for editors

1. Jon Thompson (43) is currently Director General, Corporate Services at the Department for Children, Schools and Families. He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy and the Chartered Institute of Management. Jon's career has included senior
positions at Eagle Star and Ernst and Young as well as Director of Finance and Resources at North Somerset Council and subsequently Finance Director at Ofsted until 2006, when he joined the then Department for Education and Skills. He is married with 3 sons and lives in Cheltenham.

2. Jon will take on this role alongside his current responsibilities as Director General for Corporate Services at DCSF. He will be supported at the Treasury by Ken Beeton, Director of Government Reporting and lead accountant on public expenditure issues, and by Mal Singh, head of the Finance Professionalism team.

3. Dame Mary Keegan is retiring after 4 years as Head of the Government Finance Profession. She joined HM Treasury in 2004 as Managing Director for Government Financial Management and department Finance Director, as well as Head of the Government Finance Profession. She has led the professional transformation of financial management within Government, ensuring that, from board level down, departments take proper account of financial management. For example she has built up the senior finance profession community and introduced changes in department governance and management information across Whitehall.

4. Media enquiries should be addressed to the Treasury Press office on 020 7270 5238

5. Non-media enquiries should be addressed to the Treasury Correspondence and Enquiry Unit on 020 7270 4558, or by email to public.enquiries@hm-treasury.gov.uk

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