Cat Little Appointed as New Permanent Secretary, Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

Cat Little will move from her current role in the Cabinet Office

The Cabinet Secretary, with the approval of the Prime Minister, has appointed Cat Little as the new Permanent Secretary, Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST).

Cat is currently the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Office and the Civil Service Chief Operating Officer. She has previously been Second Permanent Secretary at HM Treasury and held senior roles in the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Defence.

Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Jonathan Reynolds said:

The work we’re doing in BIST is vital to driving the growth people across our country need, and Cat has the experience to help us deliver.

I also want to thank Amanda Brooks for the leadership she has shown over recent months. I have greatly valued her counsel, professionalism and service to the Department.

Cabinet Secretary, Dame Antonia Romeo, said: 

I am delighted to announce Cat’s appointment as Permanent Secretary for BIST. Cat’s impressive track record at OPMC, HM Treasury and the MoD, combined with her commercial experience, makes her ideally suited to lead BIST’s crucial policy agenda delivering good growth.

I would also like to thank Amanda Brooks for her leadership of the department in the interim period.

Over the last few years, we have achieved a huge amount at the Cabinet Office - and I will be sad to say goodbye to the brilliant team here. 

I’m excited to join BIST at such a crucial time for the department. I look forward to working with the Secretary of State, Ministers and the excellent team at BIST to drive growth and create jobs across all parts of the country.

The appointment follows an internal recruitment exercise chaired by the independent First Civil Service Commissioner.

A recruitment process is being launched to find Cat Little’s successor. She will continue in her current role until a successor is in place.

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