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New Permanent Secretary for Department for Transport

Appointment of Philip Rutnam as the new Permanent Secretary at the Department for Transport.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

The Head of the Civil Service, Sir Bob Kerslake, is pleased to announce the appointment of Philip Rutnam as the new Permanent Secretary at the Department for Transport. Philip, who is currently Director General Business and Skills, at BIS was chosen following an open competition. The appointment has been approved by the Prime Minister and by the Secretary of State for the Department, the Rt Hon Justine Greening MP and following consultation with the Deputy Prime Minister.

Philip will take up his post on 11 April 2012.

The Head of the Civil Service, Sir Bob Kerslake, said:

I very much welcome this appointment. Philip will bring strong strategic skills alongside a wide knowledge of the business world to this role. He has the drive and appetite needed to tackle the future challenges facing the department which include its preparations for the forthcoming Olympic Games.

I would also like to take this opportunity to personally thank Clare Moriarty for all her good work as Acting Permanent Secretary.

Commenting on his new role, Philip said:

I am absolutely delighted to be taking on this role. Transport is central to the government’s agenda for economic growth, and I am eagerly looking forward to working with colleagues in the department and across the sector on the challenges and opportunities ahead.

The Secretary of State, Justine Greening, said:

This government is clear that we see transport as a key driver of economic growth, so Philip’s outstanding record and business-focused skill set will be tremendous assets to this department. It’s hard to think of a better fit.

About Philip Rutnam

Philip Rutnam was previously Director General, Business and Skills at BIS, appointed in December 2010. Prior to this he had been Director General, Business, since March 2009. Philip was previously a Board Member at Ofcom where he helped to set up the organisation and to lead its work on competition, economic regulation and use of the radio spectrum. Philip is a former senior Treasury official, and his career has also included working in corporate finance at Morgan Stanley in Hong Kong, and holding responsibility for the Treasury’s interest in business and enterprise.

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Published 12 March 2012