Google Cloud appoints Simon Shenton to lead UK and Ireland public sector work

The former BCG Managing Director brings nearly 20 years of experience in government technology and transformation as Google Cloud increases its focus on public sector modernization and AI

Simon Shenton has joined Google Cloud after spending 12 years at Boston Consulting Group

Google Cloud has appointed Simon Shenton as Director of UK and Ireland Public Sector, bringing in a former Boston Consulting Group leader with almost two decades of experience working with the UK government on technology and public services.

Shenton announced his arrival on LinkedIn: “Big day today… I’m a Googler!”

Based in London, he is responsible for supporting Google Cloud customers across the UK and Ireland public sector with their digital ambitions. His appointment comes as the company focuses on public sector modernization and the use of AI by government organizations.

“What an incredible time to be working with this team,” Shenton wrote. “The focus on public sector modernisation and new AI initiatives provide a compelling opportunity for innovation. The potential for Google Cloud to support this is exciting, and I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together.”

The immediate priority, however, is not a pre-set program. “First order of business is to listen and learn,” he said, inviting customers, partners, colleagues, former clients and friends to share their views on how Google Cloud could support them.

From BCG to Google Cloud

Shenton spent 12 years at Boston Consulting Group, progressing through consulting and leadership roles before becoming Managing Director and Partner in January 2022.

His work included membership of BCG’s London Public Sector Leadership Team and leading its Centre for Digital Government in Western Europe. He has supported the development of government policy, led operating model and organizational transformation projects across departments, worked on digital transformations from strategy through execution and advised on IT procurement.

Two months before revealing his move to Google Cloud, Shenton used another LinkedIn post to announce that he was leaving BCG: “After 12 superb years, I handed in my trusty BCG laptop on Friday. It was a very very hard decision to leave, but am incredibly excited for what’s next.”

Before joining BCG in 2014, Shenton spent almost five years at Deloitte. He progressed from Analyst to Manager in four years and worked within the company’s IT Strategy and Effectiveness consulting team.

Google Cloud points to AI and government transformation

Maureen Costello, Vice President for the UK, Ireland and Sub-Saharan Africa at Google Cloud, also announced Shenton’s appointment on LinkedIn, describing it as “Big news for our UKI Public Sector team!”

“I’m thrilled to welcome Simon Shenton to Google Cloud as our Director of UKI Public Sector, based in London,” she continued. “Simon brings an incredible depth of experience in large-scale transformation as a former Managing Director & Partner at Boston Consulting Group (BCG).”

Costello positioned his appointment around Google Cloud’s work with public sector organizations and the UK government: “More importantly, he shares our vision for what is possible in the public sector and across the UK government. He will be instrumental in empowering our customers to reimagine what’s possible, innovate faster, and use AI to deliver real, lasting impact for the communities they serve.”

Shenton joined Google Cloud in August 2026. His opening commitment to “listen and learn” leaves the detail of his public sector priorities still to be established, but places customers and partners at the center of his first conversations in the role.