HMRC hires Microsoft's Jacky Wright to be chief digital and information officer

Wright will take over from interim CDIO Mike Potter, who filled in after Mark Dearnley's departure

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has finally hired a chief digital and information officer to replace Mark Dearnley, who left the organisation at the end of last year.

Jacky Wright, who is currently vice president of core platform engineering at Microsoft, has been appointed as the new CDIO, and will take over from Mike Potter, who had been filling in on an interim basis after Dearnley's departure.

Wright will start working at the department on 16 October, and Potter will move into a new role as director of future borders.

The appointment was formally ratified by the Prime Minister, Theresa May, and HMRC said that it was the result of an extensive recruitment exercise in which candidates were considered from across the civil services, the public and private sectors, and internationally. This may explain why it has taken five months since applications opened for the role, for the right person to be selected.

Back in April, HMRC released a job advert, offering up to £180,000 for a CDIO, in what it described as a "substantial and challenging role with significant involvement in the government's digital agenda as well as leading on HMRC's digital strategy".

HMRC is undergoing huge changes, with former CDIO Dearnley having led the organisation's move away from its £800m-a-year Aspire outsourcing contract - the largest single ICT contract across the UK government. The organisation is striving to be one of the most digitally advanced tax administrations in the world by 2020.

HMRC chief executive Jon Thompson said that Wright was an "exceptional candidate" and added that her appointment had marked an exciting new phase for the 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," he stated.

Wright suggested that it was the perfect time to join 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," she said.

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," she added.