Lovell confirmed as EA chair

The secretary of state for the environment has confirmed Alan Lovell as the next chair of the Environment Agency despite concerns in the pre-appointment committee hearing that he lacked understanding of key issues.

Lovell, former chair of CCW, was named as the preferred candidate last month to take over from Emma Howard Boyd when she steps down in September after her second terms as chair.

The appointment was subject to select hearings with the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs committee and the Environmental Audit Committee.  The committees’ report said: “Overall, during the pre-appointment hearing Alan Lovell demonstrated relevant corporate and institutional experience and an appropriate grasp of the priorities for his proposed tenure. However, we were surprised that he had not come to more fully researched and formed views on some of the key environmental issues and challenges facing the Environment Agency.”

This echoed the concerns outlined in the committee hearing ahead of Ian Coucher’s appointment as chair of Ofwat in May. The board’s report raised concern that Coucher “had not given greater consideration to the way in which environmental sustainability should be incorporated and rewarded in Ofwat’s regulatory role”.

Despite the committee’s reservation at Lovell’s views on issues and challenges, the report said Lovell was found to have “the professional competence and personal independence” to be chair and the appointment was approved by George Eustice.

During his four years on the board of CCW, between 2015-19, Lovell challenged companies to do more to address leakage, helped drive the industry to make support for vulnerable customers better available.

Lovell’s career also included chairing commercial and non-profit boards that currently includes Interserve Group as well as Safestyle UK.

He has been chief executive of six companies including Infinis, Jarvis, Costain and Dunlop Slazenger.

Outgoing chair Howard Boyd said: “The Environment Agency is a fantastic organisation of committed public servants who save lives, protect nature and support business. It’s been a privilege to be chair.” She praised Lovell’s “wealth of experience from his time in business and as chair of the Consumer Council for Water.”

On his appointment, Lovell said: “This is a vital organisation, full of excellent committed people striving to do their best for the nation’s flood defences, for the environment as a whole, and in the battle against climate change. It will be a privilege to join them and to try to make a difference.”

Lovell will assume the role on 26 September, with Howard Boyd set to leave at the end of that month.