Environment Agency appoints Leinster as chief executive

London - The Environment Agency has appointed Dr Paul Leinster CBE as its new chief executive. Leinster , who joined the Environment Agency in 1998, has been acting chief executive since May 2008. He had previously held the roles of director of environmental protection and director of operations and has over 30 years’ experience working in the health and safety environmental field, in both the public and private sectors.

Announcing the appointment, Environment Agency chairman, Lord Chris Smith, said: "Now is the time for bold decisions to protect our land, air and water. Throughout his time at the Environment Agency, Paul Leinster has consistently shown himself to have the skills and experience needed to ensure the Environment Agency can meet the challenges we face and create a better place."

Commenting on his appointment, Dr Leinster said: "We have achieved much for people and the environment in the last decade and are well placed to face the challenges of the future. We will ensure that we maintain the focus of business and the public on environmental protection and climate change, even in a difficult financial climate, and provide a more effective, efficient service through better regulation.

"Expectation levels about the environment are higher than ever before. We have many big challenges to address including flooding, pollution, water quality and resources, waste and climate change and will use our expertise, experience and influence to deliver the necessary changes. And we will continue to do so by cutting bureaucracy and maximising the environmental improvements for every pound we spend."