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Sir Thomas Whinfield Scholar has carved out a distinguished career spanning decades in British civil service. Born on December 17, 1968, Scholar’s journey has been marked by critical roles and pivotal moments. His legacy includes
- Serving as Permanent Secretary to the Treasury.
- Acting as a prime minister’s adviser on European and global issues.
- Contributing significantly to national financial strategies.
Early Years and Education
His formative years were spent at Dulwich College (1979–1986), followed by academic pursuits at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, where he studied History and later at the London School of Economics. Born into a family with a notable civil service lineage, Scholar’s father, Sir Michael Scholar, served as Permanent Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry. This familial connection to public service seemingly influenced Scholar’s path.
A Stint at HM Treasury
Scholar entered the HM Treasury in 1992, ascending through the ranks to become the Principal Private Secretary to the Chancellor of the Exchequer in 1997. His tenure with Gordon Brown lasted four years, culminating in 2001. Following this, Scholar took on international roles, representing Britain on the boards of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in Washington. His time abroad spanned six years, and his contributions were significant in economic affairs.
Downing Street and Treasury Leadership
In 2007, Scholar returned to the UK when Gordon Brown assumed the role of Prime Minister. He served as Downing Street Chief of Staff and Principal Private Secretary to the Prime Minister. Scholar’s versatility was evident when he transitioned to the Treasury as the Managing Director of its International and Finance Directorate in January 2008. Subsequent promotions led to him becoming the Second Permanent Secretary of the Treasury.
European and Global Roles
In 2013, Scholar embraced new challenges under David Cameron, running the European and Global Issues Secretariat in the Cabinet Office. His expertise in international affairs positioned him as the Prime Minister’s senior adviser on global matters. During this period, scholars’ influence extended to address the complexities of the post-Brexit landscape.
Permanent Secretary to the Treasury
March 2016 saw Scholar stepping into the role of Permanent Secretary to the Treasury, succeeding Sir Nick Macpherson. This significant appointment underscored Scholar’s deep-rooted connection to economic policy and financial governance. His contributions encompassed pivotal moments such as the response to the 2008 financial crisis, Brexit negotiations, and navigating the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Honors and Controversies
Sir Thomas Whinfield Scholar received notable honours during his career, including being appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) in the 2017 Birthday Honours and Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (GCB) in the 2023 New Year Honours.
However, Scholar’s journey faced a controversial twist when he was removed from his position as Permanent Secretary to the Treasury by Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng on September 8, 2022. This move drew criticism from former senior civil servants, including Gus O’Donnell and Robin Butler.
A New Chapter with Nomura
Despite the challenges, Scholar has embarked on a new chapter in his career. Nomura, Japan’s largest investment bank, announced the appointment of Sir Thomas Whinfield Scholar to chair its European operations. This move marks Scholar’s first public role since his departure from the Treasury. The transition from a seasoned civil servant to a leadership role in the private sector highlights Nomura’s recognition of his extensive knowledge and understanding of the financial industry.
As Scholar prepared to chair Nomura’s European operations, he reflected on the significance of the role at this pivotal moment for the Japanese economy. His wealth of experience navigating economic complexities and strategic insights make him a valuable asset for Nomura’s future endeavours.
In the ever-evolving finance landscape, Sir Thomas Whinfield Scholar’s journey exemplifies the intersection of public service and private enterprise.
