Hernán Frigolett Departs SII, Javier Etcheberry Assumes Interim Directorship: A Pivotal Transition for Chile’s Tax Authority

In a significant move, the Chilean government, through the Ministry of Finance, has announced the departure of Hernán Frigolett from his position as Director of the Internal Revenue Service (SII), effective July 8th. Frigolett will be taking on new, yet-to-be-detailed responsibilities, paving the way for the experienced Javier Etcheberry to assume the role of Interim Director.

A Seasoned Leader Takes the Helm

Etcheberry, the current Deputy Director of Corporate Affairs at the SII, brings a wealth of experience to the table. He previously served as the Director of the SII from 1990 to 2002, and his extensive knowledge will be crucial in finalizing the discussion of the tax compliance project in Congress and its subsequent implementation. The Ministry of Finance has highlighted Etcheberry’s impressive track record, which includes leading significant entities in the financial sector, such as serving as the CEO of Klap (formerly Multicaja) from June 2006 to February 2024 and Tempo from July 2019 to May 2020. Additionally, Etcheberry has held the positions of Minister of Public Works from 2002 to 2005 and Executive Chairman of BancoEstado from January 2005 to June 2006.

Recognizing Frigolett’s Contributions

The government has expressed its gratitude to Hernán Frigolett, acknowledging his role in implementing changes to tax regulations, reducing tax evasion, and modernizing the SII through the adoption of new technologies and optimization of resources. The Ministry of Finance stated, The Ministry thanks Frigolett for his performance in these 27 months as Director of the Service.

Ensuring Continuity and Efficiency

To select the new Director of the SII, the Ministry of Finance will be launching a public competition. This process aims to ensure the continuity of the modernization and efficiency policies implemented under Frigolett’s leadership.

Facing Challenges and Opportunities

The arrival of Javier Etcheberry comes at a critical juncture for the Internal Revenue Service. His experience and expertise will be instrumental in addressing the demands of the tax compliance project and strengthening the institution’s mission to improve tax collection and reduce tax evasion. This transition represents a pivotal moment for the SII, as it navigates the challenges and seizes the opportunities that lie ahead.

Conclusion

The departure of Hernán Frigolett and the appointment of Javier Etcheberry as Interim Director of the Internal Revenue Service (SII) mark a significant shift in the leadership of Chile’s tax authority. This transition, driven by the Ministry of Finance, aims to ensure the continuity of the SII’s modernization efforts and its ability to tackle the pressing issues of tax compliance and evasion. With Etcheberry’s extensive experience and the government’s commitment to a transparent selection process, the SII is poised to navigate the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities that lie ahead, ultimately strengthening its role in Chile’s economic landscape.