Performance Management in Tax Administration

Robert Russell is a seasoned tax administration expert with an illustrious career spanning multiple international roles. His 32-year tenure in the Canadian public service culminated in a nine-year position as Assistant Commissioner at the Canada Revenue Agency. Following this, he transitioned to New Zealand's Department of Inland Revenue, initially as Deputy Commissioner of Service Delivery before being elevated to Commissioner and Chief Executive, a role he held for over five years. Since returning to Canada, Russell has significantly contributed to global tax administration through his work with the International Monetary Fund, completing more than 25 tax administration contracts across 12 countries. His expertise encompasses revenue mobilization, tax compliance improvement, and administrative reform in both developed and developing nations. A Canadian national, Russell has balanced his distinguished professional career with family life, having been married to Laurel for 45 years, with whom he has raised 4 sons and has 8 grandchildren.

Gordon Hawkes is a Revenue Administration Expert at the International Monetary Fund, leveraging over 37 years of experience from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). His expertise spans performance management, evaluation, and strategic planning, highlighted by his leadership of major initiatives including a comprehensive review of the CRA as a world-class tax administration. Since 2019, Hawkes has served as a short-term expert with the IMF's Fiscal Affairs Department, conducting missions across five continents to improve tax administration systems. His professional background includes significant directorship roles in both non-profit and municipal boards, combining practical experience with strategic oversight. A graduate of Carleton University with a degree in psychology, Hawkes brings a unique perspective to tax administration, focusing on organizational behavior and performance improvement in revenue agencies worldwide.