News: Public Digital strengthens global team with senior appointment

Public Digital (PD) has appointed Lauren Kahn to head up its Global Impact team, leading on the consultancy’s work with major philanthropic organisations, UN agencies and multilateral development institutions.

Lauren joined PD in 2024 after two decades of global experience in driving societal impact through technology and innovation, to lead strategy and research for its Global Impact sector. She was previously Director of Responsible Technology at BT, where she set strategy for accelerating growth through inclusive, ethical and environmentally sustainable technology and steered business-wide implementation.

Previously she was Deputy Director for digital strategy and programmes at the UK Government’s Department for International Development (DFID) and Head of Digital Inclusion Strategy at the Government Digital Service (GDS).

In her new role, as Senior Director of Strategy & Sector Lead for Global Impact, Lauren will be overseeing PD’s work with Global Institutions including the Gates Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Inter-American Development Bank and the World Bank, with a particular focus on harnessing technology and digital transformation to promote sustainable development.

Currently the team is delivering projects for these organisations in Argentina, Barbados, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Peru and the United States.

Lauren Kahn said:

“I’m delighted to be working with our Global Impact team in this important role. Over my past year at PD, I’ve seen first-hand the vital role we play across the global digital ecosystem.

“We’re a trusted advisor to global funders and institutions. We convene global digital leaders to build peer networks and share good practices. And we build local digital capability in countries, states, and cities. Now, more than ever, there is a huge opportunity for PD to work with like-minded partners to deliver lasting global digital impact.”

Public Digital co-founder Mike Bracken CBE, said:

“Since Lauren joined us she has made a sizable and significant impact on our work and has done much to build on our growing reputation with global funding institutions. PD has always been a global organisation, one committed to helping countries to accelerate their growth through digital transformation; it’s part of what sets us apart from other consultancies. With today’s global challenges this work is more vital than ever.”

Lauren will work closely alongside PD Partner James Stewart, who will be focusing on deepening our senior expert support and advisory with clients and country partners worldwide.