Scotland’s most senior civil servant will leave the post next year, the Scottish Government has announced.
After three years in the role, Permanent Secretary John Paul Marks will move to head HM Revenue and Customs in 2025.
Mr Marks will remain until his successor has been appointed, and the recruitment process will commence shortly.
He took over from Leslie Evans in 2022 after his predecessor faced criticism over her handling of the Alex Salmond inquiry, and has led the civil service under three different first ministers.
First Minister John Swinney said: “JP Marks is a dedicated civil servant and leader of the civil service, and has provided me, my Cabinet and my predecessors with invaluable support and advice during his time as Permanent Secretary.
“He has been an important source of wise counsel at the heart of the Scottish Government, serving with enormous distinction, so it is little surprise that he has been recruited into a key UK role.
“The process of recruiting a next permanent secretary will now begin. Whoever it turns out to be, they will have a tough act to follow, but I believe we will attract the very highest quality candidates for the job.
“In the meantime, I wish JP well in his new role with HMRC and look forward to working with his successor.”
Mr Marks said: “It is a privilege to be appointed to lead HMRC.
“I look forward to supporting the Department’s important work in raising the revenue that funds public services, and to working with the Board, colleagues and partners over the coming years to deliver service modernization and reform.
“I am grateful to the First Minister and his predecessors for the opportunity to serve as Permanent Secretary.
“I would like to pay tribute to the civil servants of the Scottish Government and thank our teams and partners for their leadership, professionalism and support.
“Over the coming months, I, along with my leadership team, remain firmly focused on supporting the First Minister and delivering his program for government.”
His move, which will see him act as permanent secretary at HMRC as well as CEO, was welcomed by Cabinet Secretary Sir Chris Wormald, who praised his “vast experience”.
He added: “JP is ideally placed to continue the transformation of HMRC, playing a vital role in delivering the (UK) Government’s plan for change and improving the experience for taxpayers and businesses across the UK.”
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