UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has appointed Indian origin strategist and media executive Gautam Rangarajan as his Expert Adviser on Structure and Process, bringing a senior figure with more than two decades of experience in media, strategy and public service broadcasting into the government.

Who is Gautam Rangarajan?

Rangarajan is a former BBC executive and strategist who has worked across media, creative industries and public broadcasting for more than 20 years. He describes himself as a strategist and creative content producer, with expertise in organisational transformation and strategy development.

According to his professional profile, Rangarajan specialises in helping organisations navigate rapidly changing markets, audiences and technologies.

The UK Prime Minister’s Office said Rangarajan brings significant experience in corporate strategy and transformation to his new role.

Gautam Rangarajan’s BBC career

Rangarajan began his career at the BBC as a trainee producer in classical music programming in 1993. He later worked with BBC Radio 3 and became an executive producer in 2001.

He moved into strategy roles, becoming a strategy manager in 2003 and later taking on senior positions within the BBC’s corporate strategy division.

In 2009, he became controller of BBC corporate strategy. In 2013, he was appointed group director for strategy and performance, a position he held until last year.

His career at the BBC involved organisational strategy, transformation, financial planning and managing complex stakeholder relationships.

Education and professional background

Rangarajan studied Music at the University of Cambridge, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. He also completed a Non Executive Director Diploma through the FT Board Director Programme.

His professional profile highlights experience in leading large scale change programmes, driving organisational growth and handling complex policy and financial negotiations.

Role under Andy Burnham

As Expert Adviser on Structure and Process, Rangarajan is expected to bring his experience in organisational strategy and transformation to Burnham’s administration.

His appointment comes as the UK government focuses on improving public services, efficiency and the way government departments operate.

The role places Rangarajan among a growing group of specialists being brought into government to provide expertise beyond traditional political careers.

Another Indian origin figure in Burnham’s government

Rangarajan’s appointment follows Burnham’s decision to retain Kanishka Narayan, an Indian origin Labour MP from Wales, in a senior government role.

Narayan was appointed minister for artificial intelligence and online safety under former Prime Minister Keir Starmer and has continued in government under Burnham.

Born in Bihar, Narayan moved to Cardiff at the age of 12. He studied at the University of Oxford before completing an MBA at Stanford University.

Rangarajan’s appointment further highlights the presence of Indian origin professionals in senior positions within the UK government.