Welsh Government | New Finance Chief appointed

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New Finance Chief appointed

A new Director General has been appointed to head the Welsh Assembly Government’s Strategic Planning, Finance and Performance Department following rigorous open competition.

Friday 18 June 2010

Michael Hearty (51) has been Director of Finance at the Department for Children, Schools and Families (now Department for Education DFE) since February 2007 where he was responsible for managing the Department’s £56 billion budget. Prior to this Michael spent most of his career in the Department of Work and Pensions and its predecessor organisations where he worked in a range of financial and operational roles.

A professionally qualified accountant, Michael has been a member of the Chartered Institute for Public Finance and Accountancy since 1995. He is also a non-executive member of both the Department of Health and Treasury Solicitor’s Audit Committees.

He is married with an 18-year old daughter and currently lives in Fleetwood near Lancashire.

Budget and Business Minister Jane Hutt said:

“Michael joins us at the most difficult time the Welsh Assembly Government has faced since devolution. He brings with him a wealth of experience in managing a major Departmental budget and I know his support will be invaluable as we tackle the tough economic challenges ahead.”

Permanent Secretary Dame Gillian Morgan added:

“This Director General role is one of the most important finance jobs in Wales and I’m very pleased that someone as experienced as Michael is joining us at such a critical time for public finances.”

Commenting on his appointment, Michael Hearty said:

“Having the chance to work for a devolved government rather than an individual Whitehall department is a great opportunity and something I’m very much looking forward to. There’s no doubt that the next few years are going to be very challenging for all of us working within the public service. I hope I can use my experience to help the Welsh Assembly Government and Wales come through those challenges strongly and with confidence.”

Michael Hearty will take up his new role in August.