LONDON, May 19: The Metropolitan Police on Tuesday appointed Hardev Virdee as the new Chief Strategy and Investment Officer of the UK’s largest police force.
The Indian-origin finance expert is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the Met Police’s future, leading its long-term strategy, investment and commercial functions. Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley welcomed Virdee’s deep experience as the police force works to close a “significant financial gap”.
“I am delighted to be joining the Met at such an important time,” said Virdee, who has previously worked in the National Health Service (NHS).
“Having worked in the NHS for many years, I am excited to continue my commitment to public service. This is a challenging role, and I look forward to working closely with colleagues and partners to deliver the Met’s vision and bolster investments and resource to support the Met’s frontline policing,” he said.
As Group Chief Financial Officer at Barts Health NHS Trust, Virdee is credited with playing an instrumental role in putting the health trust’s finances on a sustainable footing for the long-term, including steadily reducing their deficit and delivering a financial recovery plan that balanced the books in 2025-26.
“I am looking forward to welcoming Hardev to the Met bringing his expertise, energy, and insight to support officers and staff,” said Rowley.
“He was hugely impressive in the selection process and that was not just the opinion of the panel I chaired, but also one of more junior colleagues – something we now routinely do in senior appointments.
“This is a hugely challenging role and he will bring deep experience in strategic leadership, financial stewardship and organisational transformation, which will be critical as we continue to reform and deliver the best service for London against a backdrop of increasing demand and work to close a significant financial gap,” the police chief said.
Virdee is a previous winner of the NHS Director of Finance of the Year award, which recognised his professional contribution as Chair of the NHS National Finance Academy. He is also currently vice-president of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA), a professional international accountancy body, and will be taking up its presidency later this year.
An enthusiastic runner, Virdee has also completed several marathons over the years. (PTI)
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