Mr Heferen will join the Australian Taxation Office as commissioner after a few years as head of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
He has 30 years' experience in the Australian public service and previously worked at the ATO and Treasury.
Outgoing commissioner Chris Jordan has been at the helm of the organisation for a decade and will finish in the top job in February.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers said Mr Heferen was "an outstanding leader and one of the nation's most experienced tax experts".
"His diverse experience across policy development and program delivery in a range of portfolios, as well as representing Australia in international forums, including the UN and OECD, will position Mr Heferen well as commissioner of taxation," he said.
In another key appointment at a top economic institution, Sarah Hunter has taken on the role of chief economist and assistant governor (economic) at the Reserve Bank of Australia.
She was previously head of macroeconomic conditions at Treasury, and before that was partner at KPMG in the Economics and Tax Centre.
RBA governor Michele Bullock said she was delighted by the appointment.
"She will bring a unique and diverse perspective to the bank and the leadership team," Ms Bullock said.
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