AI Generated Summary
- A former recipient of the NHS Director of Finance of the Year award, he was recognised for his contribution to financial leadership within the healthcare sector, including his work with the NHS National Finance Academy.
- The Metropolitan Police has appointed Indian-origin finance expert Hardev Virdee as its new Chief Strategy and Investment Officer, entrusting him with a key leadership role at a time when Britain’s largest police force faces mounting financial and operational pressures.
- He currently serves as vice-president of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) and is expected to assume its presidency later this year.
The Metropolitan Police has appointed Indian-origin finance expert Hardev Virdee as its new Chief Strategy and Investment Officer, entrusting him with a key leadership role at a time when Britain’s largest police force faces mounting financial and operational pressures.
Virdee, who has built a distinguished career in public sector finance through the National Health Service (NHS), will oversee the Met’s long-term strategic planning, investment priorities and commercial operations. The appointment comes as the force seeks to modernise its services while addressing a widening budgetary shortfall.
Welcoming the appointment, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said Virdee’s experience in financial management and organisational reform would be vital as the force navigates rising demand for policing services across London.
Rowley described the role as “hugely challenging” and said Virdee had stood out during a rigorous recruitment process for his leadership qualities and strategic vision. He added that the Met would benefit from Virdee’s expertise in strengthening financial governance and supporting reforms aimed at improving frontline policing.
Currently serving as Group Chief Financial Officer at Barts Health NHS Trust, Virdee is credited with steering the health body toward long-term financial stability. Under his leadership, the trust reportedly reduced its deficit and implemented a recovery strategy that balanced its accounts during the 2025–26 financial year.
Speaking after the announcement, Virdee said he was honoured to join the Metropolitan Police at a crucial juncture for the organisation. Drawing parallels with his years in the NHS, he said public service had remained central to his professional life and expressed enthusiasm about contributing to the Met’s future direction.
He noted that the position would involve close collaboration with officers, staff and external partners to strengthen investment and ensure resources are directed effectively toward frontline policing.
Virdee is also a prominent figure in the public finance profession. A former recipient of the NHS Director of Finance of the Year award, he was recognised for his contribution to financial leadership within the healthcare sector, including his work with the NHS National Finance Academy.
In addition, he currently serves as vice-president of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) and is expected to assume its presidency later this year.
Outside his professional responsibilities, Virdee is known to be an avid marathon runner, having completed several long-distance races over the years.
