WIREDGOV

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is announcing the appointment of Luke Ashton as the new Director General for Digital, Data and Technology. 

Luke will bolster the ONS’s executive team at a crucial time as the organisation progresses work to renew confidence in its core statistics. Central to this will be driving significant digital and technological transformation, including transition away from legacy technology while navigating the risks and opportunities presented by advancing technology and artificial intelligence. 

ONS Permanent Secretary Darren Tierney said: 

“I am delighted that Luke has been appointed as our new Director General for Digital, Data and Technology - an instrumental role for the organisation as we work through legacy systems and prepare for the future. 

“Luke brings a wealth of knowledge with him and his technical and leadership skills will be hugely valued across the organisation. 

"I am confident that Luke's appointment will bring the clarity, pace and strategic direction needed to modernise our digital and technical capabilities so that we remain both resilient and future focused." 

Luke will join the ONS from Barclays where he is currently Group Chief Data Officer. 

On his new appointment, Luke said: 

“I’m delighted to be joining the ONS at such a pivotal moment.  

“As the organisation continues its recovery, I’m excited about working with colleagues across ONS and the wider digital and data community to shape a digital foundation that is resilient, responsive, and ready for the future.” 

Notes to Editors 

Luke Ashton - Biography 

Luke joins the ONS from Barclays where he held a range of roles across technology and operations. As Group Chief Data Officer since 2020, he was responsible for the setting and implementing the bank’s governance framework for data, records and non-financial regulatory reporting, and providing oversight on new uses of data. As Process Automation Lead from 2024 onwards, Luke was additionally accountable for driving automation activity as part of the Group's transformation strategy to improve efficiency and service quality.  

His earlier work at Barclays included leadership roles in Control, as the Chief Controls Officer for Barclays Execution Services, and also in Application Management, Production Operations and Technology Infrastructure.  

Luke began his career as a Student Engineer in the MOD, and after graduation with Deloitte, where he worked as a consultant on major Technology Infrastructure projects for a range of financial services firms. He has a Masters in Engineering from Cambridge University.