DSIT appoints Emran Mian as new permanent secretary

Emran Mian has been announced at the new Permanent Secretary at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). Mian, who currently serves as Director General for Digital Technologies and Telecoms at DSIT, will replace Sarah Munby in the role.

Whilst at DSIT,  Mian has been instrumental in developing programs aimed at making the UK a global leader in AI research. He has also been involved in building an AI company focused on data access and cybersecurity policy.

Mian brings extensive Whitehall experience to the role, having previously served multiple DG positions at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Department for Education.  

The appointment comes as the government seeks to leverage science and technology to drive economic growth through its Plan for Change, allocating £86 billion to research and development and creating a £3.25 billion transformation fund. 

"Emran will be an outstanding Permanent Secretary with exceptional experience and vision," said Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Peter Kyle. "Under his leadership, DSIT will go from strength to strength in harnessing the power of science and technology to improve people's lives across the UK."

"I applied for this role because I am hugely optimistic about how science, technology and AI can improve lives, government services and economic growth," Mian said. "At this moment there is no cap on how ambitious we should be for our country," he added. 

Cabinet Secretary Sir Chris Wormald highlighted Mian's qualifications for the challenging role ahead. "He is well placed to take on the opportunities of this exciting post, and lead the Government's delivery of the blueprint for modern digital government," Wormald said.

Mian's predecessor, Sarah Munby, led the department from February 2023. She received praise for navigating complex challenges under five different Prime Ministers, with Kyle expressing "thanks to and deep appreciation for Sarah Munby, not only for her personal support to me but for her service to the country at large."