Archive · 13 Aug 2026
Indian-origin ex-BBC strategist Rangarajan named adviser by UK PM Burnham
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Andy Burnham, has chosen a new helper.
His name is Gautam Rangarajan, and he is a media executive of Indian origin.
Gautam used to work at the BBC, a big radio and television company.
His new job is called 'Expert Adviser on Structure and Process,' which means he will help the Prime Minister's office work better.
He will work at a famous building called 10 Downing Street.
Gautam studied music at the University of Cambridge and started at the BBC in 1993.
He made music programmes for Radio 3 and later became one of the BBC's top strategy leaders.
Some articles say he has 30 years of BBC experience, while his own LinkedIn profile says more than 20 years.
He left the BBC in 2025 and worked on his own.
His new government job starts this week.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham appointed Indian-origin media executive Gautam Rangarajan as Expert Adviser on Structure and Process, a newly created role.
Rangarajan, a former BBC strategist and musician, assumes charge at 10 Downing Street this week.
The UK PM's office said Rangarajan brings significant experience in corporate strategy and transformation.
Rangarajan joined the BBC in 1993 as a Radio 3 music producer and later became director of strategy and Group Director of Strategy and Performance.
Articles describe his BBC tenure as 30 years, while his LinkedIn profile cites more than 20 years; he left the BBC in 2025 to work as a freelance consultant.
- Who
- UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Indian-origin media executive Gautam Rangarajan, a former BBC strategist and musician.
- What
- Rangarajan was appointed to the newly created role of Expert Adviser on Structure and Process at 10 Downing Street.
- When
- The appointment was announced on Tuesday during parliament's summer recess, and Rangarajan begins the role this week.
- Where
- 10 Downing Street, the UK Prime Minister's office in London.
- Why
- The PM's office said Rangarajan brings significant experience in corporate strategy and transformation, amid Burnham's planned changes to the machinery of government.
- Appointed by
- UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham
- Role
- Expert Adviser on Structure and Process (newly created)
- Appointee
- Gautam Rangarajan, Indian-origin media executive and former BBC strategist
- Location
- 10 Downing Street, London
- Career start
- Joined BBC in 1993 as a producer for Radio 3
- Previous roles
- BBC Director of Strategy; Group Director of Strategy and Performance
- Education
- Bachelor's degree in Music from the University of Cambridge
- Post-BBC
- Left BBC in 2025; freelance consultant and Board Trustee at Glyndebourne
