Andrew Forzani is one of the most influential figures in the UK government’s commercial and procurement landscape. As the Government Chief Commercial Officer (GCCO), Forzani holds a pivotal role in shaping the future of public procurement in the UK. His career spans more than three decades in both the public and private sectors, overseeing complex procurement strategies and working to ensure that taxpayer money is spent efficiently and effectively.
A Career Built on Commercial Excellence
Forzani’s rise to the position of Chief Commercial Officer was not an overnight success. It was built on years of experience in various leadership roles, particularly in the area of procurement and supply chain management. His career began at a local level, where he cut his teeth managing public sector procurement for local governments. His work in the Ministry of Defence (MOD) further propelled him into the spotlight, where he oversaw some of the most significant procurement projects in the UK.
Having served as the Director General Commercial at MOD, Forzani gained invaluable experience in managing large-scale defense contracts, working closely with military leaders to ensure that the UK armed forces had the equipment and resources they needed. His leadership within the MOD cemented his reputation as a strategic thinker and effective negotiator, qualities that would define his future work in government procurement.
Government Chief Commercial Officer: A Role of Influence and Responsibility
In 2025, Forzani was appointed the Government Chief Commercial Officer (GCCO), a key role that places him at the forefront of shaping commercial policies across the UK government. As GCCO, he leads the Government Commercial Function, overseeing a network of commercial professionals working across various departments to manage public sector procurement and ensure value for money in the delivery of services to the public.
Forzani’s role as GCCO is integral to ensuring that the government can leverage its purchasing power in ways that benefit both taxpayers and public service users. From defense contracts to public infrastructure projects, healthcare services, and IT systems, his team is responsible for negotiating contracts and overseeing public spending in a way that maximizes efficiency and social value.
Andrew Forzani Focus on Procurement Reform
One of the most significant challenges Forzani faces in his role is implementing procurement reform in line with the Procurement Act 2023. This new legislation is designed to make the UK’s procurement system more transparent, accessible, and responsive to the needs of the public sector.
Under Forzani’s leadership, the Government Commercial Function has worked to modernize how the government approaches procurement, making it easier for businesses of all sizes to bid for public contracts. By embracing digital tools and promoting innovation, Forzani is helping the government move towards a more agile and efficient procurement system that can respond quickly to changing needs.
Forzani is also a strong advocate for incorporating social value into government procurement decisions. This means not just looking at the cost of contracts but also considering the wider impact on communities, such as job creation, environmental sustainability, and the use of local suppliers. In his view, procurement is not just about saving money; it’s about delivering public services in a way that benefits everyone.
Andrew Forzani Salary and Influence in Government
As the Government Chief Commercial Officer, Andrew Forzani is one of the highest-paid civil servants in the UK government. His salary is publicly disclosed as part of the senior civil service pay band, which for senior positions such as his can range from £250,000 to £300,000 annually. This salary reflects the responsibility of overseeing billions of pounds in public procurement and ensuring that government spending is transparent and accountable.
While the salary is high, it is important to note that Forzani’s role comes with significant responsibility. The decisions he makes directly affect how public money is spent, and the impact of those decisions can be felt across the entire country. Forzani is one of the key figures in ensuring that taxpayer funds are used effectively in delivering essential public services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
The Role of Commercial Leadership in Public Services
Andrew Forzani’s influence extends far beyond the world of procurement. His work as GCCO involves collaborating with other government departments, industry leaders, and suppliers to ensure that the government’s commercial strategy aligns with the needs of the public. This includes:
- Optimizing the procurement process to ensure that contracts are awarded fairly and efficiently.
- Improving the relationship between the public sector and suppliers to foster collaboration and innovation.
- Ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks while driving efficiency in public spending.
By focusing on these areas, Forzani is helping to create a public sector that is better equipped to respond to the challenges of the 21st century. Whether it’s ensuring the rapid procurement of medical supplies during a crisis or securing long-term infrastructure projects, his leadership in commercial strategy is vital to the smooth functioning of the government.
Andrew Forzani The Future of UK Procurement: Forzani’s Vision
Looking ahead, Forzani is committed to transforming the way government procurement is handled. He has expressed a desire to make the procurement process more inclusive and transparent, ensuring that smaller businesses and local suppliers are given more opportunities to compete for government contracts. His focus on digital transformation is expected to streamline procurement procedures, reduce bureaucracy, and improve efficiency across the public sector.
At the same time, Forzani recognizes the importance of balancing commercial priorities with the social and environmental responsibilities that come with public sector contracts. He has emphasized the need for procurement decisions to take into account the broader impact on society, from promoting sustainable practices to improving social mobility and creating jobs in underrepresented communities.
Legacy and Impact
As Government Chief Commercial Officer, Andrew Forzani is shaping the future of public procurement in the UK. His leadership in this area has already led to significant improvements in how the government approaches commercial decisions. His focus on efficiency, transparency, and social value has made him one of the most influential figures in the UK civil service today.
Forzani’s legacy will likely be defined by his efforts to make government procurement more agile, innovative, and responsive to the needs of the public. By driving procurement reform, embracing digital technologies, and ensuring that public contracts deliver maximum value for taxpayers, Forzani is ensuring that the UK government is better equipped to meet the challenges of the future.