Jimmy Leach will leave the paper for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, where he will become head of digital engagement.
Leach, who was appointed as digital director at the Independent in June last year, has overseen the title's launch of a mobile website, iGoogle gadget and a political wire service with Tweetminster.
Prior to joining the Independent, Leach worked as head of digital communications for Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown and for the Guardian's online team.
Leach will take up the new role in February.
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