Jacky Wright appointed Chief Digital and Information Officer at HMRC

Jacky Wright will leave her role at Microsoft Corporation as corporate vice president to become a Chief Digital and Information Officer at HMRC.

Wright will be accountable to drive forward HMRCs’ ambitious digital transformation agenda, taking over from the departing Mike Potter who will be taking up a new role as Director of Future Borders. She is reputably known in the industry as a senior executive who is a global leader and innovative technologist, and will take up her new post on 16 October 2017.

[Also read:HMRC Chief Digital and Information Officer Mike Potter on digital transformation of UK tax authority]

The appointment was formally ratified by the Prime Minister and is the result of an extensive recruitment exercise in which candidates were considered from across the Civil Service, the public and private sectors, and internationally.

Wright said: “There could not be a better time in the history of technology to demonstrate the power of technology innovation at an organisation such as HMRC. I am really excited to be joining the UK’s tax authority at such a pivotal time in its history.

“I am passionate about the impact innovation can have in truly transforming services for people and businesses in a positive way and want to continue the great work being done within HMRC and across the Civil Service at this time.

“I am proud to represent women and BAME in technology and will continue to promote the vital role of diversity within our industry and more broadly.”

As a senior executive for Microsoft, Wright has previously held senior roles at a number of large organisations including BP, GE and Andersen Consulting.

HMRC chief executive Jon Thompson said: “I’m delighted to welcome Jacky to HMRC as our new Chief Digital and Information Officer. Jacky was an exceptional candidate and this appointment marks an exciting new phase for us as we continue towards our vision of becoming a world-class organisation.

“Jacky is a seasoned commercial leader with ‘best in class’ credentials, globally. Balancing strong operating experience with a record of driving innovation, Jacky is widely recognised for her contributions to technology and diversity. Her influence as a technology leader and as a champion for the role of women and BAME in industry, is a major win for this organisation.

“This builds on a year of real progress and innovation under the leadership of interim CDIO, Mike Potter, who has done a fantastic job of pushing digital delivery for HMRC and its customers.”