Senior appointments
Godric Smith has been appointed interim Executive Director of Government Communications at Cabinet Office until the end of the year.
September 2012
CAB 091-12
Godric Smith has been appointed interim Executive Director of Government Communications until the end of the year. As the most senior communications professional in the civil service he will be based in Downing Street and the Cabinet Office. A process to appoint a permanent successor will begin shortly. He will replace Jenny Grey, who is leaving to join Citigroup this month.
Minister for the Cabinet Office Francis Maude said:
Jenny spearheaded the reforms to government communications we introduced in 2010. As a result, the operation is now leaner, more agile and more strategic - and will deliver more efficient communications for the taxpayer. I wish Jenny well in her new role and thank her for all her work.
The appointment of Godric Smith as interim Executive Director of Government Communications will enable us to continue delivering these important reforms. As a former Prime Minister’s Official Spokesman, and with his excellent work at the Olympic Delivery Authority and as Director of Government Communications London 2012, Godric brings the experience and expertise needed for this important role. I look forward to working with him to deliver effective communications that represent value for taxpayers’ money.
The Prime Minister’s Official Spokesman, Steve Field, has been appointed the UK’s next Executive Director to the International Monetary Fund. A process to appoint his successor is underway and an appointment will be made in the coming weeks. Until that time he will remain in post. He will join the IMF towards the end of the year.
Note to editors
- Godric Smith worked at Downing Street from 1996 -2006 including as Prime Minister’s Official Spokesman between 2000 and 2004. He has worked on London 2012 over the last seven years as Director of Communications for the Olympic Delivery Authority - which successfully built the Olympic Park on time and within budget - and as Director of Government Communications for London 2012. He was appointed a Non-Executive Director of HS2 in June this year.