Public Digital promotes Lauren Kahn & Gurpreet Sehmi

Public Digital has promoted Lauren Kahn and Gurpreet Sehmi to Partner, expanding the consultancy's senior leadership team.

Kahn and Sehmi lead the firm's Global Impact and Central Government practices, which together generated more than 60% of Public Digital's revenue in 2025. Their teams work with clients including Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Gates Foundation, HMRC, the Cabinet Office and the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.

The appointments strengthen two business lines at the centre of the consultancy's work with governments, public bodies and philanthropic organisations. The two practices are Public Digital's largest, and their share of revenue is expected to rise further in 2026.

Founded by members of the team behind GOV.UK and the Government Digital Service, Public Digital is based in London, operates across seven countries and employs more than 100 permanent staff, alongside a network of more than 300 experts.

Leadership roles

Kahn has served as Head of Global Impact since joining the business in 2024. She has built an international team advising governments, multilateral institutions and philanthropic organisations on digital transformation, with a focus on inclusion, responsibility and sustainability.

She is also one of the authors of a forthcoming book on digital sovereignty, a topic that has gained prominence as governments and public institutions reassess control over digital systems, data and technology policy.

Sehmi has led the Central Government practice since 2025. She has focused on expanding the firm's work across Critical National Infrastructure and has doubled the size of her team over the past year.

Her advisory work has included senior leaders across central government, defence and the wider UK public sector, covering digital transformation, organisational change, workforce and culture issues.

Broader expansion

The promotions come amid a wider refresh of Public Digital's leadership structure. Earlier senior appointments included Lesley Cowley as Chair, and Sarah Clark and Tom Loosemore as Non-Executive Directors.

The changes indicate continued investment in governance and management as the consultancy expands its public sector and international work. It has also won the King's Award for International Trade, reflecting growth beyond the UK market.

Consultancies focused on public sector digital projects face a changing market as departments and institutions review spending, reassess technology priorities and consider how artificial intelligence may affect service delivery and internal operations. In response, firms with strong ties to government reform programmes have sought to strengthen senior leadership around core practices and client relationships.

Public Digital's client list suggests it is maintaining work across both domestic government and global foundation-backed programmes. Its mix of UK public sector institutions and international philanthropic organisations gives the business exposure to different parts of the market, from Whitehall transformation work to broader public-interest digital projects.

Emma Gawen, Managing Director, Public Digital, commented on the promotions.

"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," said Emma Gawen, Managing Director, Public Digital.

Kahn said her promotion follows two years of work with the firm's international team.

"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," said Kahn.

Sehmi said the firm's internal culture remained a defining factor in her new role.

"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," said Sehmi.