A former chairman of John Lewis and an economics journalist are among three leaders from the retail, tech and communications sectors who have been appointed as non-executive directors at the Treasury.
Sir Charlie Mayfield, a former chairman of John Lewis, will play a “lead role” on the Treasury’s board of directors, HMT said in its announcement. Also joining the board are venture capitalist and fintech entrepreneur Edward Twiddy, and Jenny Scott, a former economics correspondent who has held senior communications roles at the Bank of England.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the three appointees will bring “fresh thinking” to the department.
The directors will “use their business expertise and experience to help the Treasury run as efficiently as possible, ensuring it effectively supports economic growth, the government’s number one mission”, HMT said in its announcement.
Mayfield began his career as an officer in the army before spending stints at the pharmaceutical company SmithKline Beecham and the consulting firm McKinsey & Co, working with consumer and retail organisations. He has since spent seven years as chairman of the UK Commission for Employment and Skills.
In January, Mayfield was appointed by the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Business and Trade to lead the Keep Britain Working review, which is examining the role of employers in health and disability.
“He brings extensive leadership skills including a strong track record in change management, both in developing talent and capability, and in driving technology-led transformation,” the Treasury said.
Scott, who co-founded and owns strategic communications advisory firm Apella Advisors, was executive director of communications at the Bank of England from 2008 to 2011 and again from 2013 to 2017.
Previously she worked at the BBC from 2000 to 2008, including as economics correspondent and as a presenter on BBC2’s The Daily Politics with Andrew Neil. She had previously spent six years as economics correspondent for Reuters.
Twiddy, a former civil servant who spent 13 years in the Treasury, is chair of the Newcastle-based venture capital firm Northstar Ventures. He co-founded the fintech startup Atom Bank in 2014. He has “extensive leadership experience in both executive and non-executive roles, with a strong focus on enterprise and innovation”, according to the Treasury.
In a statement, chancellor Rachel Reeves said: “I’m really pleased to welcome Sir Charlie Mayfield, Edward Twiddy and Jenny Scott to the board, as we build on our partnership working with business.
“Between them, they bring a huge amount of experience and fresh thinking. Their insights will be invaluable as we focus on growing the economy to deliver for working people as part of our Plan for Change.”