Alan Lovell will step down as Chair of the Environment Agency at
the end of December 2026, following an extended term in post.
Since taking up the role in September 2022, his leadership
has helped guide the organisation's work on water, resilience to
flooding and environmental protection, whilst also championing
the expertise, professionalism and commitment of
Environment Agency staff across the country.
Alan has brought a wealth of experience from across
business, infrastructure and regulation to the role,
helping to strengthen the EA's governance,
improve operational delivery and
performance and maintain focus on long-term
environmental challenges.
He has also played a key role in shaping the EA's latest
Corporate Strategy – EA2030. The EA's latest Business Plan
was published last month.
A recruitment process will take place over the summer to appoint
a successor.
Chair of the Environment Agency, Alan Lovell
said:
“It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of the Environment
Agency over the past four years.
“The EA faces some of the most complex and consequential
challenges in public life, from protecting communities against
flooding to helping to reform the water sector. It has been
a privilege to help the organisation drive forward our ambition
for change set out in our corporate strategy.
“I am enormously proud of what the organisation has achieved and
deeply grateful to the dedicated staff whose professionalism and
commitment make the EA what it is.”
Environment Secretary said:
“I thank Alan for his dedication to the Environment Agency and
his commitment to strengthening its regulatory approach and
sharpening its operational effectiveness.
“We have worked with Alan and his team to increase scrutiny and
inspection activity in the water sector, setting clearer
expectations around compliance and environmental performance. The
EA is also making strides in cracking down on waste crime,
publishing its 10 point plan and playing a central part in the
government's Waste Crime Action Plan.”
