Sarah Munby has been announced as the new permanent secretary for the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
She replaces Alex Chisolm, who was promoted to civil service chief operating officer and Cabinet Office permanent secretary in April. Sam Beckett has been acting permanent secretary for the past three months.
Munby has been director general, business sectors, at BEIS since last July, when she joined from McKinsey, where she led their strategy and corporate finance practice in the UK and Ireland.
BEIS secretary of state Alok Sharma said: “The appointment of Sarah Munby as permanent secretary is very good news for the department and for this government. Sarah is an outstanding public servant who has already made a significant contribution to the work of the department, and I look forward to working with her as we deliver on the people’s priorities.
“I would also like to pay tribute to Sam Beckett for her leadership, particularly in overseeing our support for businesses throughout this key period.”
Munby said: “I am delighted to be taking on the role of permanent secretary at BEIS, building on the fantastic work of Alex and Sam. I feel so lucky to lead such a committed, talented and mutually supportive group of people.
“The secretary of state has laid out our priorities as we lead Britain’s recovery; fighting coronavirus, backing business, unleashing innovation and tackling climate change. This is vital work and our mission couldn’t be more important.”