PD strengthens senior leadership with two new Partners

We have strengthened our senior leadership team with the promotion of Lauren Kahn and Gurpreet Sehmi to Partner.

Lauren, Head of Global Impact, and Gurpreet, Head of Central Government, lead our two largest practices, which together accounted for more than 60% of our revenue in 2025. This figure is projected to increase further in 2026.

Together, their teams support some of our most significant client engagements, including Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Gates Foundation, HMRC, the Cabinet Office and the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade. Their work helps these organisations build the internal conditions to adapt and succeed in the age of enhanced technologies and artificial intelligence. 

Since joining PD in 2024, Lauren has built a respected international team of experts, advising governments, multilateral institutions and philanthropic organisations, on inclusive, responsible and sustainable digital transformation. She is one of the authors of a landmark book on digital sovereignty to be published this year.

Gurpreet leads our Central Government practice, focusing the firm's growth across Critical National Infrastructure, having doubled the size of her team and its impact over the last 12 months. She has been advising senior leaders across central government, defence and the wider UK public sector on complex digital transformation, people and culture dynamics and organisational change. 

The promotions build on a series of senior leadership appointments this year, including Lesley Cowley OBE as Chair and Sarah Clark and Tom Loosemore as Non-Executive Directors, reflecting our continued investment in our leadership team.

Emma Gawen, Managing Director at Public Digital, said:

"Lauren and Gurpreet have consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and a clear vision for Public Digital's future. They will play a pivotal role in leading and stewarding the business in the years ahead.

"Their promotions recognise not only their outstanding individual contributions, but also the impact of the practices they lead. Together, they are helping some of the world's most influential public institutions and foundations navigate complex digital challenges and deliver meaningful outcomes for citizens and communities."

Lauren Kahn, Partner and Head of Global Impact at Public Digital, said:

"I'm delighted to join the partnership at Public Digital. Over the past two years, I've had the privilege of working with the Global Impact team, collaborating with talented colleagues and inspiring organisations around the world. I'm excited to build on that experience and help shape the firm’s next chapter."

Gurpreet Sehmi, Partner and Head of Central Government at Public Digital, said:

"What makes this business truly special is the people I work with; talented teams tackling some of the most important challenges facing the public sector. As Partner, I'm excited to build on this momentum and continue driving growth and impact for our clients, alongside a team I'm incredibly proud of.”