14 Aug 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Indian-origin strategist and former BBC executive Gautam Rangarajan has been appointed Expert Adviser on Structure and Process by UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham at 10 Downing Street.
Who Is Gautam Rangarajan?
Rangarajan has more than two decades of experience spanning media, strategy, creative industries and public-service broadcasting. He worked at the BBC for several years, rising through senior strategy and performance roles.
He reportedly began his BBC career as a trainee producer in 1993 and later served as group director for strategy and performance, a position he held until last year.
What Will He Do at No. 10?
Rangarajan’s newly created role focuses on government structure and processes.
His appointment comes as Burnham pushes a wider overhaul of the centre of government, including changes to Whitehall and the creation of an Office for the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Why His Background Matters
Rangarajan’s experience in organisational strategy and large-scale transformation is expected to be useful as the new government seeks to make the civil service smaller, more strategic and more efficient.
The Prime Minister’s Office said Rangarajan brings significant experience in corporate strategy and transformation.
Connection to India
Rangarajan is the son of a former Indian diplomat, adding an India-linked dimension to his appointment.
His professional career, however, has largely centred on British media, strategy and public-service broadcasting, rather than electoral politics.
A Major Government Reshuffle
His appointment is part of Burnham’s broader effort to reshape how the UK government operates following his arrival at Downing Street.
The changes include establishing No. 10 North in Manchester and reorganising parts of Whitehall.