After 15 years with the management consultancy, Army veteran arrives in government to take the helm of the technology and innovation operations of one of the major departments of state

The Home Office has recruited McKinsey senior executive Mike McCarthy as its new top digital and tech leader.

Following a recruitment process for the £190,000-a-year role in September, the department has chosen McCarthy for the director-general-level role of chief digital and innovation officer. He will start work on 12 January, and arrives in government following a 15-year stint at management consultancy McKinsey. Prior to this, he served for eight years in the British Army’s Corps of Royal Engineers.

According to a newly published profile on GOV.UK: “He brings substantial experience of leading digital transformations and IT modernisation within government and financial institutions.”

In  a post on LinkedIn, McCarthy said that his new posting “brings together most of the science, technology, analysis and research functions, and the digital, data and technology teams” across the Home Office.

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“In my support to government over the last decade I have got to know some of the people who have made significant contributions to the live services the Home Office runs today – for example eGates at airports – and people who have taken big steps on the ongoing task of modernising its technology and how it operates,” he added. “I feel I am picking up the baton from a distinguished set of leaders – I hope to do you proud. In the last weeks, I have started to get to know the senior leadership team and future colleagues. I look forward to working with you, and the supplier base, to deliver world-class services to the UK public, and to millions of people worldwide every year.”

McCarthy is the permanent replaces Simon Bourne, who held the position of chief digital, data and technology office before retiring in May.

The job advert for his replacement indicated that the new CDIO will lead a team of around 4,000 people and have oversight of an annual budget of roughly £1.8bn.

Writing in the accompanying candidate pack, department permanent secretary Antonia Romeo said: “You will bring together the Home Office’s overall digital and transformation strategy and make sure the capability is in place to deliver. This role is about more than technology – it is about shaping the future of the department and our crucial public services, ensuring our services are responsive, resilient, and rooted in evidence and innovation.”