Makhlouf tapped to head Treasury

Gabriel Makhlouf Photo / supplied

Gabriel Makhlouf, the Treasury's acting chief executive and secretary, has been appointed to the role permanently, the State Services Commission announced today.

Makhlouf arrived in New Zealand from the United Kingdom in March last year and has been acting chief executive at the Treasury since June 1, following the departure of John Whitehead.

Makhlouf said he was honoured to have been chosen to succeed Whitehead.

"This is a time of significant change and opportunity for New Zealand. The Treasury has a firm focus on growing the economy, getting public finances back in order, and working with the public sector as it seeks new ways to deliver better services for less," he said.

Makhlouf's career in the UK included positions at HM Revenue and Customs, where he led one of the biggest operational directorates, HM Treasury and the Inland Revenue.

He has chaired the world's main tax-ruling body at the OECD and was Principal Private Secretary to the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown.

- NZ HERALD ONLINE