Career public servant Rob Heferen has been appointed to lead the ATO for the next seven years.

Mr Heferen is currently the CEO of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, and brings with him more than 30 years of experience in the Australian Public Service, including a decade in senior roles.

He began his APS career in 1989 as a graduate in the Australian Customs Service, worked at the Australian Taxation Office, and then had a number of years at Treasury.

Announcing his appointment as Australia’s new Commissioner for Taxation, Treasurer Jim Chalmers described Mr Heferen as “an outstanding leader and one of the nation’s most experience tax experts”.

“His diverse experience across policy development and program delivery in a range of portfolios, as well as representing Australia in international forums, including the UN and OECD, will position Mr Heferen well as Commissioner of Taxation,” Mr Chalmers said.

Mr Heferen served as the Deputy Secretary of Revenue Group at the Treasury between 2011 and 2016, where he oversaw tax policy, tax legislation and revenue forecasting.

He was appointed AIHW Chief Executive Officer in July 2021 after serving as Deputy Secretary Higher Education, Research and International in the Department of Education, Skills and Employment; and Deputy Secretary, Energy at the Department of the Environment and Energy where he had responsibility for energy policy including electricity and gas markets, and fuel security.

Mr Heferen takes over from Chris Jordan on March 1.

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