In a world that’s ever in flux, with economies evolving and global policies constantly changing, it takes unwavering commitment, clarity of purpose, and brilliance of mind to stand out. Sravya Rao OBE is one such exemplar — a civil servant whose path through the corridors of British governance has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Awarded the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2025 King’s New Year Honours, Sravya Rao was recognised for her unwavering dedication to public service. Behind this accolade lies a story of diligence, analytical excellence, and an indomitable spirit dedicated to crafting better policies for a stronger, fairer society.
Sravya Rao: An Unrelenting Drive for Public Good
From her early academic days at the University of Warwick, where she pursued a BSc in Economics, Sravya’s aptitude for critical thinking and her zeal for public welfare were unmistakable. She later refined her public policy acumen at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), graduating with an Executive Master of Public Policy—a testament to her commitment to continuous learning and mastery of complex socio-economic systems.
Her intellectual rigour and leadership potential found their perfect stage in the UK Civil Service, where she has spent over a decade delivering policies that directly shape the nation’s economic, industrial, and environmental landscape.
A Remarkable Career Across the Heart of British Policy
What sets Sravya Rao OBE apart is not just the breadth of her experience, but the depth of impact she has consistently delivered. She currently serves as the Deputy Director of Economy and Strategic Analysis at the Department for Business and Trade, a role in which she leads a multidisciplinary analytical team that builds evidence-based strategies to stimulate the UK’s economic growth and industrial resilience.
Her leadership extends beyond conventional economics — from coordinating ‘No Deal’ Brexit strategies and spearheading EU Exit transformation to pioneering green economy policies and facilitating industrial decarbonisation in the chemicals sector.
Each of her roles — whether at HM Treasury, Defra, or the Department for Transport — has been a building block in her mission to align government policy with long-term prosperity, resilience, and sustainability.
Sravya Rao: Earning the OBE – A Career Distinguished by Integrity and Innovation
When Sravya Rao was awarded the OBE for public service, it wasn’t just a nod to years of hard work. It was a national recognition of her strategic foresight, moral compass, and extraordinary contributions to the economic and social framework of the UK.
“I’m grateful and delighted that I’ve been awarded an OBE in the 2025 King’s New Year Honours. The award is for ‘public service’, reflecting many exciting, varied, and rewarding years in the civil service,” said Sravya. “A huge thank you to any of you that have helped me along the way, especially to my manager Ben Cropper for nominating me.”
Her humility in the face of such a prestigious recognition underscores the essence of who she is — a servant-leader, dedicated not to titles, but to impact.
Leading Through Complexity: The Hallmarks of Sravya’s Leadership
In an era marked by rapid geopolitical shifts, economic shocks, and technological disruptions, Sravya’s work has been rooted in resilience and adaptability. Whether orchestrating policy responses to Brexit, navigating the chaos of the COVID-19 era at the Rosalind Franklin Laboratory, or building post-pandemic recovery frameworks, her analytical leadership has been pivotal.
Her tenure across various departments also included developing low-carbon transport strategies, advising on green fiscal policies, and shaping the EU-ACP trade agreement’s development impacts. Sravya’s work has consistently been at the intersection of economic logic and societal needs — a rare and powerful combination.
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