Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has appointed Indian-origin strategist and media executive Gautam Rangarajan as Expert Adviser on Structure and Process, in a newly created role at 10 Downing Street. Rangarajan, a former BBC strategist and musician, takes charge this week as Burnham pushes ahead with changes at the centre of the British government.
The appointment comes as Burnham, who became Labour Party leader and prime minister last month, sets out his plan to run government differently. His wider reset includes the launch of No. 10 North in Manchester as part of his devolution agenda and a reshaping of key departments and the machinery of government.
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In a brief announcement, the UK Prime Minister’s office said: “Gautam Rangarajan has been appointed as an Expert Adviser on Structure and Process. Gautam brings significant experience in corporate strategy and transformation.” While details of his role have not been set out, he is expected to play a part in the planned transformation at the heart of government.
In his first few weeks in office, Burnham realigned some departments from those under his predecessor, Keir Starmer. The Department for Business and Trade was given a wider brief as the new Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade. Burnham also created a new Office for the Prime Minister and Cabinet, led by Cabinet Office Minister Louise Haigh and Cabinet Secretary Dame Antonia Romeo.
Last month, Leader of the House of Lords Baroness Angela Smith told Parliament: “To ensure the centre of government is focused on our top strategic priorities, the Prime Minister is creating an Office for the Prime Minister and the Cabinet (OPMC), which will house No. 10 [Downing Street], No. 10 North and teams within the Cabinet Office directly serving the Prime Minister and Cabinet.”
On his social media profile, Rangarajan describes himself as an experienced strategist and creative content producer with more than 20 years of experience in media, creative industries and public service broadcasting. He lists his skills as: “Specialist in strategy development in fast-changing markets, audiences and technologies. Proven expertise leading large-scale change initiatives, driving organisational growth, and negotiating high-stakes policy and financial agreements. Adept at building relationships with complex sets of stakeholders, including government bodies and regulators, while innovating at scale and staying ahead of global media trends. Recognised for guiding businesses through highly complex problems, major operational transformation and financial challenges while consistently delivering value.” He also says he is passionate about delivering “meaningful impact at scale”, and describes himself as a professional choral singer and music producer.
The announcement has come during the parliamentary summer recess, which Burnham has set aside for a nationwide tour as he rolls out what he has called “everyday fixes” aimed at easing the rising cost of living for families across the UK. On Wednesday, he chaired an emergency Cabinet Office Briefing Room A meeting in response to the UK’s extreme heatwave, which has triggered wildfires and drought conditions across large parts of the country.
Burnham said in a “loud and clear message” that people must take the greatest possible care when they are out in the countryside, “both in terms of cigarettes, but also those temporary barbecues that we know are causing risk of fires”. The government announcement on Rangarajan’s appointment comes as Burnham presses ahead with changes to Whitehall and his broader agenda on devolution, cost-of-living measures and the government’s response to extreme weather.
With PTI Inputs
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
