Loranger (pictured) is currently serving as chief statistician of Canada, and has spent 29 years at Statistics Canada, as well as chairing the United Nations Conference of European Statisticians.

Loranger replaces Emma Rourke, who was interim UK national statistician following the departure of Professor Sir Ian Diamond in 2025, before also leaving at the end of last year.

The appointment of Loranger comes at a time when the Office for National Statistics (ONS) is seeking to reform following an independent review into the performance and culture of the organisation, published in 2025, which found flaws in the way in which the organisation operates, as well as how it allocates funding.

The review had recommended new leadership for the ONS, with the roles of national statistician and permanent secretary for the organisation temporarily separated.

During his time at Statistics Canada, Loranger served as assistant chief statistician for economic statistics, where he had responsibility for key economic indicators such as gross domestic product; assistant chief statistician for strategic data management, methods and analysis; and chief data officer.

In his new role, Loranger will act as the principal adviser on statistics to the UK Statistics Authority Board and the government, as well as serving as head of the Government Statistical Service.

He will also support the ONS in its work in areas such as improvements to economic statistics and preparation for the 2031 Census. 

Penny Young, interim chair of the UK Statistics Authority, said: “André Loranger is a world-renowned expert and a passionate advocate of trustworthy, independent official statistics – statistics that help people, businesses and governments make better-informed decisions every day.

“His deep experience in Canada and on the international stage will accelerate our work to unlock greater value across the UK statistical system for users, by increasing engagement and supporting a culture of openness and innovation.”

Dame Antonia Romeo, the cabinet secretary, said: “André brings a wealth of experience to lead the statistics system and support the ONS to provide the trusted statistics that are essential for good policy and decision making in government. 

“I look forward to working closely with André as we ensure the UK’s statistics continue to support the outcomes that matter most to the public.”

Loranger added: “Throughout my career, I have championed the importance of trusted, independent official statistics and the vital role they play in informing decision-making and serving the public.

“I look forward to working with my new colleagues in the UK statistical system as we build on that important work together.”