The Scottish Government has named Joe Griffin as its next permanent secretary.
Griffin is currently director general for external affairs and strategy at the Scottish Government, a post he has held since September 2023. Earlier in his three-decade civil service career, he was a diplomat at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, which included postings to New York and Paris.
He will become Scotland’s most senior official next month, when John-Paul Marks leaves to take the helm at HM Revenue and Customs.
Griffin's appointment was formally made by UK cabinet secretary Sir Chris Wormald on the recommendation of Scotland’s first minister John Swinney and first civil service commissioner Gisela Stuart.
Wormald said Griffin will bring “extensive experience” to his new role, including from his first DG job in Scotland, working on education and justice, from 2021.
“Joe is well placed to lead the organisation and provide excellent support to ministers,” he said. “I would like to thank JP Marks for his leadership of the Scottish Government over the last three years.”
Swinney predicted Griffin will bring an “unyielding focus” to delivering for the people of Scotland and thanked Marks for his “invaluable advice” and “devoted public service”.
Griffin said it is a privilege to be appointed to the permanent secretary role.
“My focus will be on working with colleagues and partners to drive progress and deliver the government’s four priorities: eradicating child poverty, growing the economy, tackling the climate emergency, and ensuring high quality and sustainable public services,” he said.
“I look forward to leading the organisation as we deliver in the service of Scotland.”
In addition to his main director-general role, Griffin currently serves as “DG ally” for the Race Equality Network.