Bank of England governor Mark Carney hires new private secretary

Bank of England governor Mark Carney has hired James Benford as his new private secretary, one of his most trusted advisory positions.

The influential post behind the scenes will put Benford in charge of the flow of briefings across the governor's desk, give him ultimate responsibility for managing his diary, and put him in place to help with speeches and other advice.

Benford replaces Iain de Weymarn, the Bank confirmed, after the appointment was first reported by Bloomberg News.

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Benford studied economics at Cambridge University and the London School of Economics, before entering the Bank of England immediately, according to a social media profile.

He has worked in various forecasting roles, as well as serving as private secretary to Paul Tucker, a deputy governor for financial stability.

Previous private secretaries to the governor have gone on to greater things, with at least three current executive directors having held the role under different governors. Alex Brazier, now the Bank's executive director for financial stability, managed the transition between Carney and his predecessor, Mervyn King.

Another notable name to hold the role previously is Andrew Bailey, the current head of the Financial Conduct Authority who is the favourite to return to the governor's office in the top spot when Carney steps aside in the summer of 2019.

Read more: BoE tells financial firms: Keep calm and carry on during Brexit transition

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