Most recently president and CEO of Canadian oil and gas company Talisman Energy Inc, Manzoni spent 24 years at BP, rising to chief executive, refining & marketing, and a main board director.
The Major Projects Authority was set up in 2011 with a mandate from the Prime Minister to improve the government’s management of major projects. It has been without a head since David Pitchford stepped down last September to return home to his native Australia.
Mr Manzoni said: “Some of the largest and most complex projects can be found in government and it’s the scale of the challenge that makes this role interesting. Working with departments, and at the service of talented civil servants, the MPA has already delivered remarkable improvements. To me, the key to its continued success is the quality of project professionals at the centre and in departments. It always comes down to the people.
“If we get this right, it will be a sustainable agenda that is good for all seasons and all political persuasions. It’s hard to fight against the logic of spending large amounts of money more effectively and improving public services at the same time.”
Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude said: “John has an impressive record of leading global operations and delivering complex, challenging briefs. His experience will be invaluable to the civil service and to taxpayers. I’m delighted he is joining the Cabinet Office and this is a great example of how we can bring talented men and women with private sector experience into Whitehall.
“As part of this government’s long-term economic plan we must to continue to improve the civil service’s management of major projects. Last year the Major Projects Authority saved hard-working taxpayers £1.7bn. I’m confident that with John’s leadership we can go even further and make a real difference to the delivery of these projects which matter to all of us."
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