LONDON, Aug 13: British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has appointed Indian-origin strategist and media executive Gautam Rangarajan as Expert Adviser on Structure and Process at 10 Downing Street, the Prime Minister’s Office said.
Rangarajan, a former BBC strategist and musician, has taken up the newly created position this week. The Prime Minister’s Office said he brings extensive experience in corporate strategy and organisational transformation.
The appointment comes as Burnham seeks to reshape the functioning of the UK government and strengthen the centre of government as part of his wider devolution agenda.
Burnham, who became Labour leader and Prime Minister last month, has announced plans to establish No. 10 North in Manchester, describing it as a symbol of his commitment to devolving power and strengthening links with regions across the country.
He has also reorganised parts of the government inherited from his predecessor Keir Starmer. The Department for Business and Trade has been given a broader remit and renamed the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.
Burnham has further established a new Office for the Prime Minister and the Cabinet (OPMC), led by Cabinet Office Minister Louise Haigh and Cabinet Secretary Dame Antonia Romeo. The office will bring together No. 10, No. 10 North and teams within the Cabinet Office working directly with the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Although details of Rangarajan’s responsibilities have not been fully disclosed, he is expected to play a key role in the planned structural and operational changes at the heart of government.
Rangarajan describes himself as a strategist and creative content producer with more than two decades of experience across media, creative industries and public service broadcasting.
His professional profile highlights expertise in strategy development, organisational transformation, business growth and negotiations involving government bodies and regulators. He has also worked on large-scale operational and financial transformation initiatives.
Alongside his corporate career, Rangarajan is a professional choral singer and music producer and has spoken of his ambition to deliver meaningful impact at scale.
His appointment comes during the parliamentary summer recess, which Burnham is using for a nationwide tour focused on a series of measures aimed at addressing the cost-of-living pressures faced by families.
On Wednesday, Burnham also chaired an emergency COBRA meeting in response to the UK’s extreme heatwave, which has led to wildfires and drought conditions in several parts of the country.
He urged people to exercise extreme caution in the countryside and warned against activities such as smoking and using temporary barbecues that could increase the risk of fires.
