Department for Transport Confirms New Permanent Secretary

Bernadette Kelly has been announced as the Department for Transport’s new Permanent Secretary, in a move confirmed by the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Transport.

Kelly was previously Director General, Rail Group, since September 2015, so has worked at DfT over the past two years. She will now step up into the role vacated by the previous incumbent, Philip Rutnam.

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The Cabinet Secretary, Sir Jeremy Heywood, said:

“I would like to congratulate Bernadette on her appointment. Bernadette has an excellent track record, having worked in a number of departments across government including most recently at the Department for Transport. She will bring that experience together with her strong leadership skills to her new role and I look forward to working with her on the challenges ahead.”

The Secretary of State for Transport, The Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP said:

“I’m very pleased that Bernadette will be the new Permanent Secretary at the Department for Transport. Her knowledge and experience of the department mean she is very well placed to make an excellent start in her new role and I look forward to continuing to work with her.”

Bernadette Kelly said:

“I am delighted to be appointed as Permanent Secretary at the Department for Transport. DfT is a great Department and I have hugely enjoyed working here in rail. It is an honour to be asked to lead the department and I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead.”

Minister of State at the Department for Transport, John Hayes MP, is speaking at next month’s Microlise Transport Conference. More information is available on the conference website, where registration for the free-to-attend event can be completed.

Visit the Microlise Transport Conference Website