New boss for HMRC after data slip

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has named private equity executive Mike Clasper as its new chairman.

He replaces Paul Gray, who quit after an embarrassing scandal that saw the HMRC lose the personal details of 25 million child benefit claimants.

Taking up the post on 1 August, he will be responsible for overseeing HMRC's corporate governance. He will also help select the first chief executive.

He will join from Terra Firma, which recently bought record label EMI.

Mr Clasper was formerly chief executive of BAA, the airports operator, until July 2006.

Chancellor Alistair Darling said: "Appointing someone of Mike's calibre and experience is particularly important at this point in HMRC's development and I am delighted he has agreed to take on the role."

Mr Clasper said he wanted HMRC "in the vanguard of public service delivery, providing a top quality and reliable experience for all of its users".

"That is what those who work in HMRC want and I'm determined that working together, we will achieve that goal," he added.

6/24/2008

BBC News