Which character becomes general manager at Wernham Hogg in the Christmas specials?

Gareth Keenan becomes general manager at Wernham Hogg in The Office Christmas specials. By the time the documentary crew revisits the Slough branch, Gareth has risen from David Brent's unofficial assistant to the person running the office.

His promotion is one of the clearest signs that the workplace has changed since the original series. Gareth introduces sweeping changes and claims to have replaced David's unprofessional management methods. The joke is that Gareth takes the authority of his new position extremely seriously, even though his military-style confidence and rigid behaviour remain familiar to everyone.

Tim Canterbury is still working at Wernham Hogg, but he is not the manager. Neil Godwin remains an important senior figure and continues to deal with David's unwanted visits, while Chris Finch is a former employee and David's friend. Gareth's promotion therefore marks a specific change in the office hierarchy, not merely a temporary leadership role. The specials aired as the show's two-part finale in December 2003.