Nigel Smith, chief executive of the Office of Government Commerce will leave his post in September, it was announced today.

Smith has been head of procurement and project management in the civil service at the OGC since 2007, and plans a return to the private sector when he leaves on 2 September.

At the OGC, he has led a drive to find value in public sector through encouraging better use of asset management and more efficient space management.

Smith said: “It has been a privilege to lead OGC over the last three years and to have served as a Permanent Secretary on the Treasury Board.

“I am immensely proud of the progress made by the OGC team working with departments in putting procurement, estates management and commercial capability on the top table of government. It is a tremendous foundation on which to build in supporting the Efficiency and Reform Group agenda.”

Minister for the Cabinet Office Francis Maude said: “The OGC will play a key part in the crucial work of the Efficiency and Reform Group.  Nigel has done a great job developing the skills and expertise needed to tackle the deficit through efficiency and value for money.”

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