Matthew Gould to head government’s digital drive

Former British ambassador to Israel Matthew Gould has been appointed to lead this country’s charge to maximise use of digital technology.

The former diplomat, who was instrumental in driving the burgeoning tech relationship by setting up the UK-Israel tech hub, has moved to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to become the government’s first Director General for Digital and Media.

His will help build a digital ecosystem where bright ideas can become successful companies, ensure the UK has world-class connectivity and reduce the number of people excluded from the digital economy.

He said: “Our economy is powered by innovation and we want Britain to be the safest place to do business and go online. 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. 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.”

Gould also previously led the cabinet office’s cyber security unit.