Struan is an economist with over 30 years of experience in finance and public sector management.
Struan first joined the Treasury in 1987, after completing his postgraduate diploma in Economics at Otago University. Several years later he served as the head of a delegation that was sent to the International Monetary Fund and World Bank to represent New Zealand’s economic interests and ensure these organisations took into account the interests of small countries.
Since then he has served in a range of leadership roles across Government; including, with the Ministry of Education and most recently serving as Inland Revenue’s Deputy Commissioner of Policy and Strategy.
During his time at Inland Revenue, Struan worked with the senior management team to implement changes designed to modernise tax. This involved fundamental changes to both operations and technology. As part of this work, Struan was responsible for design of the future tax administration framework.
He has also held advisory roles in the Office of the Minister of Finance and at the World Bank in Washington D.C.
Struan re-joined the Treasury in 2016 as Deputy Secretary Budget and Public Services. In this capacity he leads the Treasury’s work to raise living standards by:
- helping ensure Government’s finances are well managed
- overseeing advice in the areas of justice, security, health, earthquake coordination and public sector performance
- delivering the Government’s annual Budget.
He took on the role of Acting Secretary to the Treasury from June-September 2019 during the transition to the appointment of a new Secretary.
In April 2020, in addition to his Deputy Secretary role, Struan was appointed to the new role of Deputy Chief Executive. This role has oversight of the Treasury's internal response to COVID-19, and maintaining the Treasury's focus on stewardship, strengthening its operations, and building capability and culture.
Struan is a tramping and fly fishing enthusiast who combines his love of travel with the opportunity to get into the outdoors.