Digital expert Ben Hayman has joined Assurity Consulting as Transformation Lead, in a move the Kiwi firm hopes delivers "transformation and digital strategy" projects across its New Zealand government clients.
Based in the UK for 25 years, Hayman founded individual technology ventures with backing from leading venture funds, joining Assurity fresh from his work at The Cabinet Office's Government Digital Service (GDS).
“We’re delighted to welcome Ben back to New Zealand and to the Assurity team," says Garth Hamilton, CEO, Assurity Consulting.
"His experience and knowledge will be vital in continually refining our offering for government and further positioning Assurity at the forefront of digital service transformation in New Zealand."
As Head of Digital Operations for GDS and the Partnerships Lead for GOV.UK, Hamilton says Hayman "has been at the heart" of transforming the how the UK Government delivers services for its citizens.
“I'm really looking forward to bringing my experience of digital transformation in the UK back home to New Zealand,” Hayman adds.
“As we have seen in the UK, there's a lot that can be done to improve the way that government services get devised and operated.
"New Zealand has a great opportunity to develop sustainable job and income growth through technical and digital innovation and I'm looking forward to getting involved.
“Returning to Wellington after 25 years working in the UK, Europe and USA is a big thing for me both personally and professionally.
"It's also great to be joining Assurity at a time that they are supporting both government and private sector clients to get the most from their digital innovation.”
Hayman says he draws on Lean methods, open standards, open source and open thinking plus the creative energy of his teams to get digital services to market in very short timescales.
In addition to joining Assurity, Hayman is one of seven people appointed to Inland Revenue's new Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Reference Group – an independent voice and sounding board for the Business Transformation programme.
Group members were selected for their extensive ICT and business expertise and experience, strategic insight and ability to bring a sector-wide perspective on infrastructure and technology issues.
"I'm pleased to be able to offer whatever help I can as a member of the ICT Reference Group as they seek to transform their services toward a 'digital by default' operation," he adds.