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Government hopes new Director General heralds Goulden era for UK’s digital economy

The government has appointed Matthew Gould as its first Director General for Digital and Media, in an attempt to help turn Britain into a world-leading digital economy.

Tasked with overseeing the government’s digital and media policy brief, Mr Gould is tasked with equipping the nation with the skills and technology it needs to create tomorrow’s leading digital businesses

Mr Gould is aiming to ensure that the UK has the world-class connectivity it needs and hopes to support British companies with access to infrastructure and technologies to grow.

As well as skill building, Mr Gould aims to help build digital ecosystems where bright ideas can become successful companies.

Moreover, he will focus on reducing the number of people excluded from the digital economy to help create an economy that works for all, in a safe environment, reports the government.

In his previous role as British ambassador to Israel, Matthew set up the UK Israel tech hub, which laid the foundations for the UK and Israel’s powerful tech relationship.

He also led the Cabinet Office’s cyber security unit as its Director of Cyber Security and Information Assurance, focused on keeping Britain safe from cyber attack, including running the National Cyber Security Programme and helping to develop the Cyber Essentials Scheme.

In his new role, Matthew will work closely with Liam Maxwell, the Government’s National Technology Adviser, and Antonia Romeo, the Government’s Special Envoy to the US technology companies, and Her Majesty’s Consul General in New York.

Matthew Gould, Director General for Digital and Media, said: “Our economy is powered by innovation and we want Britain to be the safest place to do business and go online.

“But if we want the UK to prosper we need to make sure we have world-class connectivity, and If we want an inclusive society, we need to tackle digital exclusion and make sure everyone has the digital skills they need.

“I’m determined to tackle these challenges to help make the UK the best place in the world to start and grow a digital company.”

He added: “It is a huge privilege to be the Government’s first Director General for Digital and Media and to have the chance to help make this happen.”

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