Wright will take up the role as chief digital and information officer on 16 October 2017 taking over from Mike Potter who held the position as an interim for a year after Mark Dearnley left in September 2016. Potter took up the job on a temporary basis after nearly two years as digital transformation director.

Wright is currently employed by Microsoft Corporation as corporate vice president of core platform engineering and was previously vice president of the computer giant’s IT strategic services for five years.

Prior to joining Microsoft she was vice president and chief information officer at BP from 2008-11 and was chief information officer at Momentive Performance Materials (2006-08) and General Electric (2000-06).

She has been recognised for her contributions to technology and diversity and has appeared on Britain’s Powerlist 100 of Most Influential People, the Top 100 BAME Leaders in Business, and Savoy Magazine’s Top Women list.

Wright said: ‘I am really excited to be joining the UK’s tax authority at such a pivotal time in its history.

‘I am passionate about the impact innovation can have in truly transforming services for people and businesses in a positive way and want to continue the great work being done within HMRC and across the Civil Service at this time.

‘I am proud to represent women and BAME in technology and will continue to promote the vital role of diversity within our industry and more broadly.’

Potter is to stay in the Civil Service and will become HMRC director for future borders. He has worked in the public sector since 2010 where he started as director of programmes and projects for the Rural Payments agency before coming director of business transformation service at NHS Blood and Transplant, a role which he held for four years.

Since October 2016 Mark Dearnley has been chief information officer at Premium Credit, who had a turnover of £648m in 2016.

Report by Amy Austin