News story

HMRC appoints Chief Digital and Information Officer

Daljit Rehal has been appointed as Chief Digital and Information Officer at HM Revenue and Customs.

Daljit is a senior technology and data executive with broad experience in the sector, including modernising digital capabilities, adopting Big Data, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies and Agile methods and leading change. He replaces interim CDIO Director General Mark Denney, who played a leading role in the search for his successor.

Daljit joins HMRC after nearly nine years at Centrica as Global Digital and Data Services Director. He previously held senior positions at Talk Talk and Virgin Media.

Jim Harra, HMRC’s Chief Executive and First Permanent Secretary, said:

I’m delighted to welcome Daljit to HMRC as our new Chief Digital and Information Officer. He proved an exceptional candidate and his appointment will be a tremendous asset to the department as we continue to pursue our ambitions of becoming a digitally-enabled, world-class organisation.

His passion for leading change focused on customer outcomes and breadth of experience in both technology and business is particularly relevant for us at this time as we continue to expand our online services to business and personal customers and implement the digital strategy we’ve developed over the past two years.

I would also like to pay tribute and thank Mark Denney for his work as Interim Director General. His work in the last few months in delivering the coronavirus support schemes has been a particular highlight and his leadership has helped the department deliver for millions of people affected by the pandemic.

Daljit Rehal said:

I’m really excited to be joining HMRC at a time of such unique challenges and opportunities and continuing the journey to becoming a truly modern and progressive tax authority fit for the 21st century. I look forward to building on the excellent work of my predecessors Mark Denney and Jacky Wright.

Daljit will take up his role on 14 September 2020.

Published 1 September 2020