PricewaterhouseCoopers tax partner John Whiting is to take early retirement in June and move to a newly-created part-time role of tax policy director at the Chartered Institute of Taxation in July. A well-know personality in the tax world, Whiting is renowned for his ability to make tax understandable to all. Over the years he has been a regular broadcaster on the subject. He is no stranger to the CIOT and has been a past president and past chairman of the institute's technical committee. He is currently chair of the management of taxes subcommittee and is a member of the Low Income Tax Reform Group. He was awarded an OBE for his contribution to the tax profession last year. Whiting's new role will be to lead the development and presentation of the CIOT's views on tax policy matters, making sure these are developed consistently within all the institute's technical work. It will involve spearheading the CIOT's representations on tax policy matters. CIOT chief executive Peter Fanning said: 'John's professional record speaks for itself. He is also a prolific tax writer and has that rare ability of making tax understandable to the man or woman on the Clapham omnibus.' Whiting added: 'I am delighted to have the opportunity of furthering my interest in tax policy matters by working with the CIOT. The institute works hard to achieve a fairer tax system - one that is easier to work with for all those involved. I look forward to ensuring that the CIOT continues to help and work constructively with all those involved with tax: taxpayers (very much including the unrepresented), CIOT members, the media, tax authorities and policy-makers.'