UK government hires stand-in e-envoy

The UK government has appointed an interim e-envoy following the resignation of Alex Allan last month.

Andrew Pinder, former director of the Inland Revenue's IT division, will take on the role until a replacement has been found.

Pinder worked at the Revenue for 17 years where he started as an inspector of taxes. On leaving he became director of systems and business operations at insurance company Prudential.

Speculation over who might take on the e-envoy role has so far not included Pinder and it is thought unlikely that he will be awarded the job on a permanent basis.

Among the likely contenders for the job are Ann Steward, currently director of the e-government group within the e-envoy's office; Richard Barrington, director of industry in the e-envoy's office; Jim Norton, chairman at the Institute of Directors; and Rene Carayol, former IT director at IPC Magazines.

Earlier this month, the government stepped up its search for a suitable candidate by placing an advertisement for the job in the Sunday Times. Applications for the post, which could carry a salary of as much as £127,432 per annum, will be accepted until 23 October.

First published on accountancyage.com